Weight Loss and Sleep Deprivation - Is There a Connection?

By: Wendy Owen

Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

How can sleep deprivation affect weight loss? Surely the reverse
is true! If we're tossing and turning all night, aren't we
burning a few more kilojoules?

Perhaps, but it's more complicated than that. When we don't have
enough sleep, our energy is very low. This can trick the brain
into thinking it requires more food to replenish our energy
stores.

So we tend to eat more. Not only that we tend to crave high
energy foods such as ice cream, cakes or sugar laden soft drinks.

To make matters worse, the effects of sleep deprivation can
lessen the body's ability to process glucose efficiently leading
to an increased tendency to put on weight. This could also lead
to an increased risk of diabetes.

Lack of sleep also produce higher levels of the stress hormone
cortisol and lower the metabolic rate which means we burn less
kilojoules.

A simple way to increase the metabolic rate is to exercise every
day. But we don't feel like exercising when we're tired do we?
No, a seat in front of the telly is far more appealing,
preferably with our favourite comfort food!

So if we're trying to lose weight or simply maintain our weight,
the amount of sleep we have is super important. Sometimes all we
need to do is increase our awareness.

First here's what not to do. Don't nap for long periods during
the day. This will upset your natural circadian rhythm and lead
to wakefulness at night.

Late night snacks? The body simply can't digest these and they
will be laid down as fat! If you must eat late make it a lite
yoghurt, herbal tea or milky drink. Forget the coffee and black
tea as these contain stimulants.

Here's a few tips:

Increase your exercise. This can be done without enrolling at
the gym! Simply walk more. Get of the bus one stop earlier and
walk the remaining distance. Take the stairs instead of the lift.

If the above is not for you, go shopping! Large shopping centres
are wonderful walking tracks. Have a look in the stores as you
sail past (stay away from food stores though!)

Taking more exercise increases the metabolic rate significantly
and enables us to have better sleep at night. It is also proven
to reduce stress which is the enemy of restful sleep.

Plan your day better. Start winding down in the evenings and use
the mornings for energetic chores. This will enable you to relax
better and you'll fall asleep quicker.

If you have a sleep problem, get help. There are web-sites and
books that will increase your knowledge on safe and natural ways
to get a good night's sleep.

So don't help your body to put on weight through poor sleeping
habits. Eat healthy foods, get rid of stress, exercise more and
sleep your weight away!

About the author:
Like to enjoy better sleep? Visit
http://www.insomnia-connection.com for the latest information on
achieving natural healthy sleep. The author, Wendy Owen is a
natural health writer and researcher. Sign up for our newsletter
and grab some free health books.