Sleep, hormones & weight loss

28th September 2014

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Hello there

Did you know that lack of sleep could be your enemy in the fight to lose fat?

If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re probably focusing on what you eat and how you exercise but equally important is a good nights sleep.

If you’re not getting enough sleep your 'hunger hormones', ghrelin and leptin will be affected. Ghrelin stimulates your appetite and leptin suppresses your appetite. If they’re out of balance they send a message to your brain that more food is needed when actually you’ve eaten enough. It’s nearly impossible to overcome that message with willpower alone.

So, here are some tips for a good night’s sleep:

Your body can’t tell the difference between the light outside and the light your TV or tablets produce. Don’t look at your phone, computer or television after 10pm or your body won’t release the sleep hormone you need to get a good night’s sleep.
Don’t exercise late in the evening as the adrenaline your body produces will keep you awake.
Avoid large meals before bedtime. Your body digesting the food will keep you awake and make you feel uncomfortable.
Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning.
Relax before bed. Take time to unwind, read a book or listen to relaxing music.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Drink a sleep tea instead.

Which tip will you use tonight to enjoy a better night's sleep?

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