How Important Is Sleep For Weight Loss?
Don’t snooze on sleep care, it’s important! Sleep deprivation is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences on your health. It not only affects your energy levels and productivity, but it can also lead to imbalances in your circadian rhythm. This can cause an increase in cortisol and blood sugar levels, which can have a negative effect on your overall health.
Will I Still Lose Weight If I’m Not Sleeping Properly?
No! You might not be aware of it, but one of the main reasons why you are not able to shed those extra kilos could be due to lack of sleep. Studies have shown that if you are not getting enough sleep, your body will not be able to burn calories efficiently. This means that even if you are eating healthily and exercising regularly, you won’t see any changes in your weight unless you start getting proper rest. So, if you want to successfully lose weight, make sure that you get enough sleep!
How Do I Know If I’m Getting Enough Sleep?
Sleep requirements stabilize in early adult life, around the age of 20. Individuals vary in their sleep needs but most adults require between 7 and 9 hours a night to feel properly refreshed and function at their best the next day. You can also look out for these signs:
- Feel tired, irritable, and fatigued during the day; yawn frequently.
- Have difficulty focusing or remembering things.
- Feel less interested in sex.
- Find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, need an alarm clock to wake up on time, or repeatedly hit the snooze button.
- Feel lethargic or drowsy in the afternoon.
- Find it difficult to stay awake in lectures, meetings, warm rooms, while driving or commuting, or after a heavy meal.
- Have to take a nap during the day.
- Fall asleep on the couch in the evening.
- Are asleep within five minutes of going to bed.
- Need to sleep late on weekends.
- Have experienced mood changes, including feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, paranoid, or suicidal.
How Can I Make Sure I’m Getting Enough Sleep?
These are my tips for a good night’s sleep for weight loss:
- Limit screen time – No screen time 2hrs before bed, use blue blocker glasses or use apps that limit blue light
- Magnesium – Try some magnesium before bed. there are tablets, spray oil or bath salts
- No light – Install blockout curtains or use an eye mask
- Winding down..Try meditation, herbal tea or music to relax before bed
- Don’t sleep on a full stomach – To avoid digestion issues, don’t eat 3-4 hrs before bed
- Sshhhhhh – If your partner snores, or you have noisy birds outside your window, try some earplugs
- Night sweats – Drink some cool sage tea in the evening
- Supplements – If you need extra help getting back into a good sleep pattern, I can prescribe herbal sleep tablets.