Super Sleepers: Why Sleep Helps You Lose Weight

IN DEFENSE OF SLEEP

3 reasons you’ll want to get more shuteye if only for your health…

1. Leptin + Ghrelin. No, those are not two monster names. Those are hormones. When you don’t sleep, leptin levels drop. Why is that important? Because leptin regulates your fullness levels. On a day of little sleep, you won’t feel satisfied after you eat simply because of leptin levels dropping. When you don’t sleep, ghrelin levels rise. Why is that important? Because ghrelin regulates hunger. On a day of little sleep, your appetite will shoot up simply because of ghrelin levels rising. Bottom line: your body’s reaction to no sleep = hormonal shift to make up for it by making you eat more and more.

2. Less sleep = poorer decision making. Let’s face the facts - no one is a happy camper on very little sleep. But Mr. Grouch won’t be your only downfall of no sleep. You also are more susceptible to fatty foods and those evils because your decision making center (your brain!) is not in best shape. You’ll fall prey to the lures of smells, sights and tastes that you otherwise would have had the strength of mind and willpower to combat.  

3. More hours sleep = less hours of eating. It’s a pretty simple equation. If you are asleep, you’re not eating during those hours. Instead of staying up late groggily watching TV while snacking on a plethora of junk food, plop yourself into bed and recharge your body.

Foods that trigger sleep:
- 2 cups of fat free popcorn
- Whole wheat English muffin

Opt for complex carbohydrates, which cause your body to create serotonin, a relaxing chemical.

Try:

- Small baked potato (skin on) with a dollop of salsa

Find other foods that stimulate sleep on Yahoo! Shine

Final Tips:

- Avoid too many mid-day naps which will throw off your sleep schedule

- Avoid drinking caffeine/sugary drinks late at night

Find out more information on the National Sleep Foundation's wedsite