Your Sleeping Habits Can Affect Your Weight

The American Journal of Health Promotion published a study of 330 college-aged women regarding their sleeping patterns and weight. They were monitored for a one week period and their sleep habits were noted.

At the end of the study, the researchers concluded that the women who adhered to a regular sleeping routine were able to function better and, more importantly, kept their body weight at an ideal level.

Wait a minute. Are they really saying that having good resting habits will help your weight loss efforts? Astoundingly, that is a pretty accurate inference to draw! While you are not really losing weight while you sleep, you will certainly not be gaining it. Related read: Weight loss based on diet reviews

But, there is much more behind the science of good sleep than you might realize. Having “good sleep hygiene” and truly healthy sleep patterns are important. Good rest should have:

The real beauty is that weight loss can be aided by getting yourself on a regular sleep schedule.

Consistency. This means that you should go to bed and get up at regular times. Set a schedule that follows the circadian rhythm of all living things. While it may not be practical for everyone, you should be working during the day and resting at night. Related Read: Nutrisystem Has Frozen Food Available

If you are able to follow a set schedule with the rest of nature, you will feel much more energized and generally better when you do start the day. The real beauty is that weight loss can be aided by getting yourself on a regular sleep schedule.

Efficiency. Giving your body a chance to recover after a full day of activity is vital to your health. Those who remain active throughout the day and exercise regularly keep their bodies burning excess calories, and this prevents them from storing too much fat.

Not only that, but physical exertion will also facilitate better sleep. Periods of adequate rest are just as important as being physically active. They allow your body the opportunity to restore itself. If you need proof, just consider how easily you fall asleep after a particularly busy day. Your body is telling you that it needs rest!

The study showed that those women who did not get a full night of rest experienced weight gain, as opposed to maintaining a healthy weight.

Quality and Duration. Catching some Zs for a few hours or having irregular periods of sleep and restlessness will have a negative effect on your body. If you are up and down all night, during the times of alertness, you are more likely to snack, eat, or drink coffee. The study showed that those women who did not get a full night of rest experienced weight gain, as opposed to maintaining a healthy weight. Lack of sleep actually upset their metabolism and prevented their bodies from functioning optimally, according to clinic director Dr. Michael Breus of Arrowhead Health in Glendale, Arizona. That means that sleep deprivation is terrible for your waistline. Related read: Affordable weight loss with Nutrisystem promo coupon

Of course, we all know that maintaining a healthy weight is not only about consistently sleeping well. We need to balance things like eating healthy foods, cutting out negative habits, and staying physically fit. Still, all medical and sleep experts agree that the old adage is true: You should be getting at least eight hours of solid, peaceful sleep each night. If you are getting seven and a half hours, you are doing great. But if you are only managing five, you should increase your sleep time by at least two hours to see your weight loss potential increase.

The real beauty of all of this research is that it seems to work equally as well for men. So, grab your pillow and snuggle up for a healthy night of restful bliss. Your body will thank you for it.

Do you maintain a regular sleeping schedule? Do you get enough sleep at all? Have you noticed any effect on your weight at all?