Sleep and Weight Loss

Sleep and weight loss are intrinsically connected. Studies show that an unfortunate side effect to lack of sleep is weight gain.

Sleeping only four to five hours a night alters the level of appetite regulating hormones which increase appetite. 

When we are sleep deprived and tired, the body craves a quick source of energy which is usually a high calorie carbohydrate such as cookies or other processed food.

Sleep and Weight Loss

Sleep More for a Slimmer Waistline

• Remember when you could fall asleep and stay asleep?


• Learning how to sleep again like when you were a baby is very important to your mental and physical well being.


• New research from Canada has discovered some important findings about sleep and weight loss.

• When it comes to weight loss, how much you sleep may be just as important as how much you eat.

• New research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine show that lack of sleep can interfere with the body’s ability to burn fat and lose weight.

• Chronic sleep loss can lead to an imbalance in blood sugar levels and lower the body's production of leptin, an important hormone that helps suppress appetite.

• At the same time, when we don’t get enough sleep, the body produces extra ghrelin, a hormone that promotes hunger and the retention of fat.

• So when we are sleep deprived, not only does the body crave high calorie foods but it also stores them better as fat.

• You may notice that when you are tired, you tend to be drawn to sugary foods because the body and mind are looking for a quick energy boost.

• As you can see, sleep and weight loss are intrinsically connected so do your best to sleep 7 to 8 hours a night.

"If you are stressed and sleep deprived, you're creating the perfect storm for gaining weight."

• When you don't get enough sleep, the fat tissue in your body slows its production of an important hormone called leptin that helps lower appetite.

• The production of leptin increases while you sleep. So if you are not sleeping through the night, there is not enough leptin in the body.


• When this happens, your appetite increases and you are more likely to snack on fattening foods. This helps explain the important link between sleep and weight loss.

• There are numerous other reasons to get a good night's sleep besides the connection between sleep and weight loss. The importance of sleep is also so you can avoid serious health issues.

• After several nights of sleeplessness, you may find that you can’t focus or complete simple tasks, let alone remember what tasks you wanted to complete.

• Over time, consistent lack of sleep can lead to other chronic health problems. It can even worsen an existing health condition such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, psychological issues or a weakened immune system.

• Learn how to sleep better at night with these simple tips. Be sure to take the time to unwind with a warm bath which has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and calm the mind.

Sleep Is When the Body Renews and Heals Itself

• According to sleep specialist Dr. Lindner, nearly percent of Americans have some sort of sleep problem. As we get older, we tend to sleep lightly and the body does not cycle through all stages of sleep. As a result, many of us don’t get the restorative sleep the body needs on a regular basis. As a result, sleep and weight loss may be disrupted.

• After a sound night of sleep you wake up with increased energy and may be in an overall better mood. You know how you feel so much better after a solid night of sleep? Improve sleep with these simple tips.

• Getting seven hours of sleep a night can help lower your risk of anxiety, high blood pressure and heart disease. During sleep, the body repairs itself. Free radicals and stress hormones are cleared away, damaged tissue is repaired and the body’s immune system is strengthened.

• Sleep increases the level of growth hormone in the body which is essential for optimal health. Turn off the lights at least 15 minutes before bed to stimulate the production of melatonin for more restful sleep.

• With better sleep, you’ll not only produce better dreams, but also the hormones that are so important to sleep and weight loss.