Weight Loss and Sleep

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Weight Loss and Sleep - Their Interconnected
Relationship It is observed that even when you
are following a rigorous weight loss program or
you are dieting, poor pattern of sleep or lack
of sleep may defeat you. Scientific studies show
that one of the reasons for weight gain can be
lack of sleep. Experts are not quite sure why
this happens. There are many reasons being
advanced and discussed by the experts.
Cortisol is one of the hormones that
regulates appetite. It is secreted by the adrenal
gland. Both adrenaline and cortisol are released
by the body as a normal daily hormonal cycle.
Adrenaline increases your metabolism and makes
you alert and energetic, Adrenaline helps
release of energy by fat cells. Cortisol boosts
effectiveness of your body at producing glucose
from proteins thus in times of stress, it helps
quickly increase the bodys energy.
In times of stress whether physical or
emotional the body may trigger the adrenal
gland to release adrenaline as well as cortisol.
This will affect your metabolism by making you
feel hungry when you really are not. Lack of
sleep could start such an action which will
result in weight gain.
It is also observed that when you do not
get enough sleep, you are depressed and you do
not move around much consequently you do not
burn enough fat. This also causes you to gain
weight and not lose weight.
The mechanism of adrenal fatigue also may
be partly responsible for weight gain when you
have not had restful sleep. In case of Adrenal
Fatigue
the brain receives the pick-me-up signal,
causing a craving for sugar or carbohydrate
snacks, resulting in causing excess of calories
to the body
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A good restful sleep has the ability to
de-stress the mind and body. On the contrary lack
of sleep tends to cause a constant state of
stress. This will cause production of excess
cortisol. Cortisol stimulates glucose production
which due to its being in excess is converted
into fat.
When you are trying to lose weight,
getting enough sleep is very essential. Poor
sleep affects you physically as well as
mentally. You tend to be confused, short
tempered and depressed when you lack proper
sleep.
Follow a natural weight loss routine, treat going
to bed at the same time each night as a priority
item in your activity schedule. Try to get about
7 to 8 hours sleep. Bed time routines such as
washing your face, removing makeup, applying a
face mask or some routines of this nature will
help you unwind before going to bed. A calm,
pleasant frame of mind is very essential for
getting good, restful sleep.
Last but not least, calories - knowing how to
find them, how to count them and how to cut them,
are key to lose weight on your own. By doing
simple mathematics and implementing your diet and
exercise plan accordingly, you can successfully
lose your weight and maintain it for long term.