Well, I figured since the time change over the weekend….. now would be as good as time as ever to tackle the issue of Sleep and Weight Loss!!! Enjoy
Catching some good Z’s could be what’s missing from your awesome weight loss/control plan.
It is not a secret that healthy eating and regular exercise are keys to losing and managing the numbers on the scale. Yet, it turns out that many of us may be missing out on the one other smart habit that can help you stay trim…
You guessed it – a good night’s sleep!
It’s no accident that we are bombarded with fancy mattress and special pillow commercials all the time. A good night’s sleep is important to your overall health and wellness and can hinder you greatly if not included in your routine.
So, what does sleep have to do with weight?
Skimping on some shut-eye may put a damper on your metabolism – your body’s calorie-burning furnace. Have you ever noticed that whenever you are tired, you have more trouble sticking with your healthy eating plans? This is because lack of sleep can also affect the hormones that control appetite, which in turn makes it harder to make healthy decisions.
Crawling into the welcoming warmth of a bed and aiming for a solid 7-8 hours of sweet slumber may seem like an obvious solution, but for some, it is easier said than done. Especially if you regularly miss out on a good night’s sleep.
Because of that, I want to give you 5 tips to help you get into the mood to snooze:
- Commit to A Schedule: Stay consistent in turning in and getting up at about the same time every day. This helps your body establish a sleep-wake schedule.
- Create an Oasis: Make your bedroom dark, quiet, cool and comfortable. Make your space a place for retreat and escape. Leave any work or technology outside of the bedroom.
- Give Yourself Time To Unwind: Turn off the television, phone and computer well before bedtime and do something relaxing, like taking a warm bath or listening to some soothing music. I like to take a warm shower and then meditate for about 20-minutes to calm myself down.
- Tweak Your Fitness Routine: Regular exercise can help you sleep better, just do not schedule your workout within the few hours before your bedtime.
- Notice Sleep Disrupters: Avoid caffeine after midday if you are too sensitive to it. Also, keep in mind that nicotine and alcohol disrupt sleep quality. Limit drinking fluids before bed to save you trips to the bathroom during the night.
Bonus Tip: Speak Up For Better Rest! If you are still having trouble sleeping or want more help finding lasting weight-loss solutions, talk with your health care professional. If you are snoring heavily or sleeping all night, but still wake up unrested, these may be signs of a sleep disorder that could put your health at risk.
