Monday 30 May 2011

Sleep and Weightloss Are A Good Pair

Sometimes, weightloss seems impossible. Even when we stick to a healthy food plan, and exercise, our weightloss efforts sometimes hit a plateau. What is going on???

Are you getting enough sleep? Are you sleeping less than 8 hours a day?

One of the body's basic needs is sleep. And if we don't get enough sleep each day our bodies do not function properly. A lack of sleep can "mess with" the body's metabolism and change hormone levels. In fact, higher levels of insulin, which have been linked to a lack of sleep, can make losing weight more difficult.

Even when our hormone levels are good, a lack of sleep can affect behavior and make losing weight more difficult.

When we are tired we have a lack of energy and may be tempted to eat more (many times sweets) for an energy boost. This kind of eating may raise your blood sugar level and make you feel better (albeit briefly), but most times we don't use those extra calories and they become stored as fat.

We also burn fewer calories when we exercise when we are tired. So even though you may put in the time, your workout will most often be less intense and as a result you will burn fewer calories.

We all share many demands on our time and it may seem impossible to get 8 hours of sleep each night. However, as difficult as it might be to find 8 hours to rest, it is important to know that sleep is a basic need for good health and good diet. In fact it is as important as good, healthy food, and regular physical activity.

Lack of sleep could soon be considered a risk factor for obesity. Statistics show that 65 percent of Americans are overweight and 63 percent of people don’t get enough sleep a night. So, in goes hand-in-hand that many people who are overweight also don’t sleep enough.

Pay attention to your body...know the signs. If you're tired, stop what you are doing...shut down the computer, shut off the TV, unplug (or put on silent) the phone. And if possible tell your significant other, and the kids, etc to fend for themselves tonight and get yourself to bed...You'll feel 100% better, rested and ready for the next day. Remember, a healthy, working metabolism needs rest!

Here are few tips to follow:

Don't eat right before bed
Make sure you eat a good dinner…don't go to bed hungry
Exercise at least three hours before you settle in for the night
Try reading a book, having a sleepy tea, or warm bath
Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages
Don't take a daytime nap
Set your thermostat to "sleep comfortable"
Pull down the shades …a dark room will help
Try some soothing music

Don’t let this information about sleep and weight loss become another stress factor in your life. DO take charge of the situation and examine the possible reasons to why you are losing sleep so that you can do something about it.

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