Ways Sleep Can Help You Lose Weight
If you're trying to lose weight, the amount of sleep you get may be just as important as your diet and exercise. Interestingly, mounting evidence shows that sleep may be the missing factor for many people who are struggling to lose weight. Here are six reasons why getting enough sleep may help you lose weight.
Poor Sleep Can Increase Your Appetite
Poor sleep can increase appetite, likely due to its effect on hormones that signal hunger and fullness.
Sleep Helps You Fight Cravings and Make Healthy Choices
Poor sleep can decrease your self-control and decision-making abilities and can increase the brain's reaction to food. Poor sleep has also been linked to increased intake of foods high in calories, fats and carbs.
Poor Sleep Can Increase Your Calorie Intake
Poor sleep can increase your calorie intake by increasing late-night snacking, portion sizes and the time available to eat.
Poor Sleep May Decrease Your Resting Metabolism
Poor sleep may decrease your resting metabolic rate (RMR), although findings are mixed. One contributing factor seems to be that poor sleep may cause muscle loss.
Sleep Can Enhance Physical Activity
Lack of sleep may decrease your exercise motivation, quantity and intensity. Getting more sleep may even help improve performance.
It Helps Prevent Insulin Resistance
Just a few days of poor sleep can cause insulin resistance that is a precursor to both weight gain and type 2 diabetes.