Have you heard about the connection between sleep and weight? Many of you are likely aware that sleep plays a vital role in maintaining the health of various body systems, while sleep problems have the opposite effect, quickly signaling that something is wrong.
Let’s explore how sleep impacts weight loss and maintenance.
We need 7-9 hours of quality sleep for our bodies and brains to rest, recharge, and function properly. The list of health issues linked to insomnia is extensive, but this time we’ll focus on weight gain and obesity.
Research has shown that insufficient sleep or irregular sleep patterns can lead to weight gain due to hormonal imbalances. Specifically, levels of the hunger hormone, ghrelin, rise, signaling the brain that it’s time to eat.
One study found that people who sleep less consume 300 more calories per day than those who get enough sleep. They are more likely to crave foods high in carbohydrates, fast food, cheese, and processed meats. Long-term consumption of these foods increases the risk of obesity.
Therefore, those who prioritize healthy sleep habits are more likely to lose and maintain their weight, while also reducing the risk of weight gain.
