Sleep plays a critical role in several of our daily functions. Optimal sleep helps positively contribute to weight loss in a few different ways.
How does sleep affect weight loss?
First, increased sleep is shown to reduce caloric intake by 270 calories per day, which accounts for 26 lbs of weight over a three-year period.
Second, bad sleep negatively affects your metabolism, making it harder to shed calories.
Third, sleep keeps our hunger hormones in check, allowing us to feel full and not excessively crave food.
Do you ever wonder why some nights you toss and turn while others you sleep like a log?
Well, believe it or not, those restless nights might affect more than just your energy levels—they could also influence your waistline! Let’s dive into how sleep can impact your weight loss journey.
How does sleep affect weight loss?
Sleep and Caloric Intake
Ever heard the phrase “You snooze, you lose”? Well, in this case, it’s quite literal! Studies have shown that getting more shut-eye can lead to shedding more pounds.
How so? Well, it turns out that when you’re well-rested, you’re less likely to raid the fridge in the middle of the night. Yep, that late-night snacking habit might result from not getting enough Z’s.
Research suggests that increased sleep can reduce your daily calorie intake by 270 calories! To put it into perspective, that’s like saying “No, thank you” to a large chocolate chip cookie or a small order of fries every day. Over three years that could add up to a loss of around 26 pounds! Who knew sleep could be such a powerful ally in the Battle of the Bulge?
Sleep and Metabolism
Now, let’s talk about metabolism. People probably use the term “metabolism” when discussing weight loss, but what exactly does it mean? Simply put, metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy. And guess what? Sleep plays a crucial role in this process, too!
Your metabolism takes a hit when you don’t get enough quality sleep. This means your body becomes less efficient at burning calories, making it harder for you to shed those unwanted pounds. So, if you’ve been wondering why the number on the scale isn’t budging despite your best efforts at the gym, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your sleep habits.
Sleep and Hunger Hormones
Last but not least, let’s talk about hunger hormones. Yes, you heard me right—our bodies have hormones specifically regulating our hunger levels. And guess what? Sleep helps keep these hormones in check!
When you’re sleep-deprived, the levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite, go up, while levels of leptin, which signals fullness, go down. Translation? You’re more likely to feel hungry and less likely to feel satisfied after eating when you’re running on empty. It’s not exactly a winning combination for weight loss, right?
Conversely, getting enough sleep helps maintain a healthy balance of these hunger hormones, allowing you to feel full and satisfied after meals and reducing those pesky cravings for unhealthy snacks.
Cracking the Code: How Sleep Affect Weight Loss Success
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? How does sleep affect weight loss?
If you’re trying to slim down, getting enough quality sleep is as important as eating right and exercising. Aim for around 7-9 hours of shut-eye each night, and stick to a regular sleep schedule. Your waistline will thank you for it!
