Are your sleeping habits making you fat?

Many people overlook the importance of sleep. We have a lot of research to support why you SHOULD NOT be skipping on sleep.

What is the purpose of sleep?

• cleaning the brain of toxin

• physical restoration

• information processing and memorization

• mood regulation

• strengthening immune system

What are the stages of sleep?

• Stage 1 5-15 minutes, sense of falling, light sleep

• Stage 2 5-15 minute, light sleep, heart rate and body temperature drop

• Stage 3 & 4 5-15 minutes, deeper sleep, body repairs itself

• Stage 5 10 during first cycle, 1 hour during subsquent cycles (need 3-4 cycles/night) REM sleep

Benefits of sleep?

• regulates hormones

• normalizes leptin and ghrelin -- that control appetite

• supports immune system

• lowers risk of depression

• help muscle recovery/repair

• lowers blood pressure- allows heart and vessels rest

• improves memory and recall

How does sleep help me lose weight?

There is a direct correlation between chronic sleep deprivation and obesity. Whether that is because of the resulting hormone imbalance, increased cravings for sugar and starchy foods or decreased efficiency of body processes. A study was conducted over 16 years and found that women who sleep less than 5 hours/night were 15% more likely to be obese (BMI > 30). Conversely, too much sleep is also linked to obesity due to reverse causation.

Start tonight! Turn off your Netflix. Give yourself a bedtime. Get your room cool and dark and enjoy the benefits of ZZZZs.