It’s no secret that getting enough sleep is important for maintaining good health, but did you know that it can also help you lose weight? Studies have shown that getting enough sleep can have a positive effect on your weight loss efforts, and in this article, we’ll take a closer look at why this is so.
Better Hormone Regulation
Getting enough sleep can help regulate the hormones that control appetite and hunger. When we don’t get enough sleep, the level of the hormone leptin, which suppresses appetite, decreases, while the level of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, increases. This can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Improved Metabolism
Sleep also plays a role in regulating our metabolism, the process by which our bodies convert food into energy. When we don’t get enough sleep, our metabolism slows down, meaning we burn fewer calories. This can make it more difficult to lose weight, even if we’re eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Reduced Stress
Sleep also helps to reduce stress levels, which can be a major contributor to weight gain. When we’re stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol, which can increase our appetite and lead to overeating. Getting enough sleep can help to regulate cortisol levels and reduce stress, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.
Better Exercise Performance
Finally, when you get enough sleep it can also improve our exercise performance, which is an important factor in weight loss. When we’re well-rested, we have more energy and stamina, making it easier to exercise for longer periods of time and burn more calories.
How Much Sleep is Needed to Lose Weight?
While everyone’s needs are different, most adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. If you’re trying to lose weight, aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Sleep?
If you’re always not getting enough sleep, your weight can be affected in several ways.
Increased Appetite – If you lack sleep, your body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger, and less of the hormone leptin, which suppresses hunger. This can cause you to feel hungrier than usual, even if you’ve already eaten enough food.
Cravings for High-Calorie Foods – Lack of sleep can also lead to cravings for high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich foods, such as candy, chips, and other snack foods. This is because sleep deprivation can cause your brain to crave the energy boost that comes from these types of foods.
Decreased Metabolism – Not getting enough snooze will also slow down your metabolism, which is the process by which your body converts food into energy. When your metabolism slows down, your body burns fewer calories, which can lead to weight gain over time.
Reduced Physical Activity – You’re less likely to engage in physical activity, such as exercise, when you’re tired. You probably wouldn’t feel energetic enough to go to American Family Fitness regularly.
Increased Fat Storage – Sleep deprivation may lead to increased fat storage, especially around the abdominal area. This type of fat, known as visceral fat, is associated with an increased risk of various health problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Learn more about the science of sleep and weight loss here: