Sleep, Leptin and Weight Loss

I have been reading where that lack of sleep could affect my judgment and possibly make me more clumsy and prone to accidents. But just recently I found out it could cause gain weight.

Research has shown that leptin, a hormone which help regulate appetite, can be affected by lack of sleep. 

When levels of leptin are high, they trigger a feeling of fullness or satiety; Once leptin decreases, you start to feel hungry again.

Experts suggest that the lower hormone levels of leptin can be caused by sleep deprivation leading to overeating and weight gain.

Though the amount of sleep may be different among us, most people seem to do best when they get between 7-8 hours a night. 

Of course, when you are a child or adolescent, that can be higher. Being a senior, that can be lower.

Missing sleep occasionally usually is not the problem. Consistently having sleep deprivation may be detrimental to your health.

Increasing your nighttime rest may have a positive effect on your weight and weight loss efforts.

If you have better control of the hormone, leptin, you may also be able to control your appetite. This can avoid unwanted snacking at night that can lead to weight gain.

Here are some great tips to assist you in getting a better night's sleep and help you control your weight:

Try to avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the evening. Though probably no caffeine should be taken after 2-3PM in afternoon.

Exercise regularly, but probably not 2-3 hours before you sleep. Though exercising can drain you physically, mentally you could be wide awake.

Routines help us deal with our daily life. Try and sleep the same time every night.
Your bed should be associated with sleeping.

Read and do whatever you want before you get into bed.

If turning on music to get to sleep works, then do it.

Leaving the TV on or watching TV can keep you awake or if left on, can awaken you in the middle of the night. If you need a dim night light, then use it.

Remember, sleep keeps you alert during the day and can help leptin do its job at night.

>>If you want to know more about losing weight while you sleep, please check out here!