How Sleep And Weight Loss Go Hand-in-Hand
Research has been done on the link between sleep and weight loss. Studies have shown that those who sleep longer and better each night have a much better chance at losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight.
“There are over two dozen studies that suggest that people who sleep less tend to weigh more.” – investorplace.com
In one study, researchers found that out of 1,000 people, those who were overweight slept an average of 16 minutes less each day than those who were within a healthy weight range. Those who sleep five hours per night or less are much more likely, one-third as likely in fact, to gain at least 30 pounds or more as opposed to those who get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
Researchers believe that sleep deprivation can and likely does affect the appetite. This can lead to increased hunger and overeating throughout the day. People who do not get enough sleep are much more likely to feel fatigue throughout the day and are less likely to have the motivation to exercise. A lack of good sleep each night can also change metabolism which will reduce the number of calories that are burned during normal activities.
“Not sleeping enough-less than seven hours of sleep per night-can reduce and undo the benefits of dieting.” – shape.com
Study after study has confirmed that those who do not get quality sleep on average every night, will weigh more and have a much more difficult time losing weight when they do attempt to diet. Doctors have known for decades that lack of sleep can affect hormone levels in the body. The hormones ghrelin and leptin play a role in weight management and sleep. Ghrelin is a hormone that is produced in the gastrointestinal region. It stimulates appetite while leptin is the hormone that sends a signal to the brain that the stomach is full. This helps to prevent overeating. Those who are sleep deprived have lower levels of leptin and higher levels of ghrelin which will cause an increase in hunger and less satisfaction after eating which can lead to overeating.
“Other studies have found that people who sleep less than eight hours a night not only have lower levels of leptin and higher levels of ghrelin, but they also have a higher level of body fat.” – mercurynews.com
Doctors recommend not only getting enough sleep but getting a higher quality of sleep. Those who have sleep apnea may experience a higher risk of obesity because their sleep patterns are not as high in quality as they should be. Those who do experience difficulties in sleeping or who believe that they may have sleep apnea should contact their doctor for treatment.
As a general rule, those who do not suffer from some sort of sleeping disorder should be able to increase their chances of losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight by increasing their average number of hours of sleep per night and by ensuring that they get a higher quality of sleep.
