Why is sleep so important in weight loss

You’re doing everything possible to shed those unwanted pounds. You watch what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat it. Exercise is an important part of your life and you work hard to stay active. You drink your water every day. You should be making progress in reaching your goal weight, but it feels like you have stalled. Part of the problem could be your sleep habits. Getting enough rest isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity to get your metabolism to do what it should be doing. More importantly, adequate sleep is good for your health.

Too Little Sleep Slows Everything Down
If you don’t get enough sleep each night, it can sabotage your efforts to lose weight. You don’t have to change a thing. You can still keep your calories down and exercise up a storm. When you short change yourself on a good night’s rest, your energy levels drop. You’re sluggish and can’t get moving. You turn to energy drinks, flavored coffees that are filled with calories, and unhealthy snacks. You’re more likely to give into temptation and eat the things you shouldn’t. If you throw off your entire sleep schedule, you’re more likely to stay up late, eating foods that rev up your energy levels before bed, and throwing off your circadian rhythms. Your metabolism will grind to a halt as well, making your body store more fat. It’s a vicious cycle that can only lead to more problems with your weight. You need to turn it around.

Set Up a Regular Sleep Schedule and Watch the Pounds Come Off
Give your body enough sleep and you will find that it is easier to get your weight under control. You’ll have more energy. You won’t feel like you need a pick-me-up to keep going. Stay on track with your exercise routine instead of catching a another hour in bed because you are exhausted. When your body is charged up after enough rest, making healthy eating choices will be more likely. Commit yourself to giving your body what it needs. Set up a regular sleep schedule and stick with it. Avoid eating past 7 o’clock at night to avoid a burst of energy that could keep you awake. If you need something to help you relax, take a warm bath, read a book, or listen to soothing music. Make sure your bedroom is cool and dark. Resist the urge to stay up late for a movie, a special on television, or your favorite novel. They’ll be waiting for you. Shoot for seven to nine hours on a nightly basis. You’ll keep your hunger hormones exactly where they should be, helping you to feel full instead of overcome by hunger. It will be easier to keep your food portions under control throughout the day. Stick with your improved sleep schedule, follow a balanced diet with the proper level of calories, and maintain your fitness goals. The weight will come off.