You Snooze, You Lose... Weight?

Yes, that’s right- sleep can help you lose weight. Sounds crazy, but does it really sound that crazy? It doesn’t take a scientist to tell me I crave donuts at 3pm when I didn’t sleep as well the night before. Now scientists are saying it, too. Sleep helps you lose weight.

The Journal of Behavioral Medicine finally addressed the relationship between sleep and weight loss. It is stated that obesity and other large health problems have been associated with both shorter sleep and poorer sleep quality leading them to believe that there may be a direct correlation between sleep and obesity. Not getting enough sleep has been shown to lead to the following issues: 

• Decreased leptin levels – hormone that signals satiety (“I’m full” signal)

• Increased ghrelin levels – digestive proteins controlling sensation of hunger

• Increased appetite for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods (donuts, etc.)

• Insulin resistance- (problems losing weight)

Results from this study showed that people who have been highly successful at both weight loss and long-term maintenance were more likely to be categorized as a “morning person” and were able to have longer durations of sleep and better sleep quality. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or sleep better, these two aspects of our health have proven to be vastly related, so don’t overlook the importance of better sleep.

Easier said than done? If you struggle with sleep, check out these quick tips HERE.