Are you working hard to get that summer body ready? Well, you’re not alone! It’s that time of year when many people aim to get in top form for the approaching season. Aside from your food and exercise program, there are other elements that influence how much weight you lose over a certain time period. One of these variables is sleep. Adequate sleep is vital for both mental and physical wellbeing. Too little sleep can stymie your weight loss efforts and cause you to gain a few kg.
An Instagram post by a dietician described the link between a bad sleep pattern and body weight. “Are you struggling to lose weight?”
Your Sleep Could Be to Blame! Ever felt like you’re working out and eating well, but the weight isn’t coming off? “There could be a hidden culprit: lack of sleep,” she wrote in the post.
How sleep affects your body weight
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Stubborn fat storage.
According to the dietitian, when you are sleep deprived, your body may store fat rather than burn it for energy. This can cause you to burn less calories each day.
2. High cortisol levels:
A lack of sleep can cause the body’s cortisol (stress hormone) levels to rise. High cortisol levels can impede weight loss efforts. It can cause you to consume more calories than necessary.
3. Poor metabolism:
Metabolism is the rate at which your body uses energy.. A faster metabolism leads to better weight loss. Sleep deprivation can lower your metabolic rate, making it difficult to lose weight.
Tips for Good Sleep During Weight Loss
There are numerous techniques to improve sleep. Here are some research-based suggestions for sleeping better while trying to lose weight:
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Large fluctuations in your sleep schedule, or attempting to catch up on sleep after a week of late nights, can trigger metabolic changes and Lower insulin sensitivity, allowing blood sugar levels to rise more quickly.
Sleep in a dark room: Exposure to artificial light while sleeping, such as a television or a bedside lamp, has been linked to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity.
Don’t eat right before bed: Eating late can diminish the success of weight loss efforts.
Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can cause poor sleep and weight gain in a number of ways, including eating to cope with negative emotions.
Be an Early Bird: People who go to bed late tend to consume more calories and are more likely to gain weight.Early birds may be better able to maintain weight loss than night owls.
