How to Lose Weight While You Sleep

Most people when they think about weight loss, think of vigorous exercise and not being able to eat as much as what they would like. However, studies show that losing weight can be as easy as getting a good night’s sleep.

Sleep Suppresses Hunger

A good night’s sleep can help to suppress hunger, as sleep helps to create a hormone called leptin, which naturally reduces appetite and the need for food.

Lack of Sleep Increases Hunger

A lack of sleep not only reduces the production of leptin, but it also increases the production of grehlin, which is a hormone that increases hunger and appetite. According to studies this hunger is not just for any kind of food, but for high calorie carbohydrates, which are sure to put the extra weight on.

Sleep Improves Metabolism

Proper sleep has been shown to help the body to break down carbohydrates. This in turn helps to prevent excess fat from being stored in the body, as the foods are turned into energy rather than into fat cells.

Sleep Increases Levels of Growth Hormones

Studies show that getting proper sleep helps to increase the production of growth hormones. Growth hormones are essential in helping the body to build muscle mass, which in turn helps to burn off excess fat cells.

Sleep Reduces Stress

Studies show that stress increases the production of cortisol, which is essential for helping the body to cope with stress. But when stress is prolonged, the body produces excess amounts, which can then add weight around the waistline.

In addition, many people turn to food when they are stressed, as it comforts them. Thus when the stress levels are reduced, the food intake can also be reduced.

Sleep Increases Energy

A good night’s sleep helps the body to heal and rest so that it can wake up and feel well rested and energized; ready to meet the day. A well rested individual will have more energy to take the flight of stairs instead of the elevator, whereas someone who is fatigued is more likely to take the elevator.

How to Sleep Well

To ensure a good night’s sleep, caffeine should be avoided after 11a.m., and sugar should also be avoided as much as possible, as both caffeine and sugar are stimulants.

Meditation, or a hot bath before bedtime are great ways to naturally help the body to relax so that it can fall into a deep and restful sleep.