Can sleep be your weight loss secret?
Sleep is beneficial for many reasons, but did you know that good sleep can also be a secret to weight loss?
With statistics indicating that the majority of Australians are overweight or obese, it’s clear that weight loss is something on most people’s minds.
But did you know that getting enough sleep can help you with weight loss?
How much sleep do you need?
While there is no definitive number for the amount of sleep you need, experts recommend that adults need anywhere between 7 ½ and 9 hours of sleep most nights. However, the truth is that most people don’t get this amount of shut eye on a regular basis.
But if you want to make gains with your weight loss efforts, you might want to make sleep as one of your top priorities.
Why sleep helps with weight loss
Many studies have been done regarding sleep and weight and it’s clear that there is a definite link between poor sleep and weight gain. There are several reasons for this.
Poor sleep can increase your appetite. This is because it interferes with hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. When you don’t get enough sleep, the amount of ghrelin, (the hormone that signals hunger) increases, while levels of leptin (the hormone that suppresses hunger and signals fullness) decrease.
Sleep deprivation also causes you to make poorer choices when it comes to food. This is because lack of sleep dulls the activity in the front part of your brain which is responsible for self-control and decision making. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to choose foods high in calories.
You’re also likely to consume more calories when you’re sleep deprived. Researchers aren’t sure whether it’s related to hormone levels, poor self-control or increased levels of hunger, but there is a definite link.
Poor sleep also means you’re less likely to exercise, because it’s too hard to get out of bed or off the couch to get to your regular exercise session – meaning you’re not burning calories required for weight loss.
Finally, lack of sleep causes increased levels of stress, which plays havoc with your weight. Stress increases your appetite and cravings for unhealthy food, as well as releasing a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol causes inflammation in the body, and promotes weight gain, especially around the stomach.
What can you do?
The takeaway message here is to get more sleep!
Try going to bed earlier each night and making sleep a priority for you. Avoid napping in the day if you’re tired, as this will prevent you from sleeping well at night.
Pay attention to what you’re eating and drinking before bed, to ensure that you get quality sleep. Making healthy choices will help you sleep as well as help with your weight loss. Also try and keep up with your exercise routine. Not only will it help you lose weight, but it will promote good sleep.
Finally, make sure your bedroom is set up to help you sleep well at night. One of the most important things you can do is to choose a mattress that is comfortable, yet supportive.
While we can’t guarantee that our mattresses will help you lose weight, we can promise that they’ll help you sleep soundly at night. And by the sounds of it, that’s an important contribution!
Browse our range of waterproof and bariatric mattresses today.