Many studies have been done on the connection between weight gain and sleep deprivation. (It’s not that sleeping more will help you lose weight but studies show that lack of sleep will cause fluctuations in the hormones leptin and ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone, that will cause your metabolism to function less than optimally.)
HOW DOES SLEEP AFFECT WEIGHT LOSS?
Studies show that, on average, we need 7.5 hours of quality sleep per night. Experts say to prepare for sleep several hours before you actually hit the bed. Some tips for getting the best quality sleep: Your bedroom should be used only for sleep and sex. It’s not an office, entertainment center or family playroom. Keep a regular sleep schedule. Turn off your television and computer several hours before sleeping. The light from these suppress melatonin production and also stimulate the mind. Instead, relax with a book, music or relaxation exercises. And speaking of books, don’t read from a backlit tablet before bed. Most people sleep best in a room that’s around 65 degrees so keep your room as cool as you can. Keep the room as dark as possible with light-blocking shades. And finally, keep the noise level down in your room.
Here’s a great infographic brought to you by SleepGenius, an app developed from research that helped NASA astronauts get quality sleep. The app helps you find your perfect bedtime, relax before bed and it awakens you gently with its Revive Cycle Alarm. Oh, and it’s free …
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