Sleep is one of the most important yet overlooked factors involved in weight loss. Your body needs proper rest to recover from stress and function optimally. Catching more Z’s can boost your metabolism, “reset” your appetite, and prevent binge eating.
The Surprising Connection between Sleep and Weight Loss
About 40 percent of Americans sleep less than six hours per night. According to health experts, sleep deprivation may increase the risk of weight gain, depression, heart disease, metabolic disorders, and premature death. Studies indicate that people who sleep less than seven hours per night tend to weigh more and have a hard time dropping pounds.
Sleep and body weight are strongly connected. When you don’t get enough sleep, your cortisol levels increase. The stress hormone cortisol causes your body to store fat, increases hunger, and affects your mood. These factors combined lead to weight gain. If your goal is to get leaner, hitting the sack is just as important as working out and eating healthy.
Researchers have found that dieters who sleep eight hours per night have a lower body fat level than those with a varying sleep routine. Getting less than six hours of sleep and more than eight and a half hour of sleep has been linked to a higher body mass index. Evidence shows that sleep has a direct impact on metabolism, physical activity, and satiety hormones.
The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation affects body weight in more than one way. It not only elevates cortisol levels, but also triggers inflammation and causes changes in gut flora. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, lack of sleep can undo the benefits of dieting
Other studies have shown that poor sleep can reduce insulin senility by over 30 percent. It also changes the composition of fat cells and makes you crave unhealthy foods. This explains why most people feel the urge to eat sugar and fats after a poor night’s sleep. Additionally, it affects physical performance and drains your energy, making it harder to stick to your workouts.
Grabbing some extra shuteye might be exactly what you need to lose those extra pounds and overcome plateaus. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep per night to reap the benefits.
