Getting adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, but a recent study has found that it could also be key to maintaining a healthy body weight. Research indicates that people who get inadequate sleep may have an increased risk of gaining excess weight, while those who get the recommended amount of sleep may be more likely to maintain their current body weight.
Sleep deprivation has been linked to several physiological processes that affect hunger and metabolism. People who do not get enough sleep tend to produce higher amounts of the hormones ghrelin and cortisol, which are responsible for regulating appetite and metabolism respectively. Ghrelin increases hunger levels, while cortisol reduces metabolic rate. As a result, people who do not get enough sleep may feel hungrier than normal throughout the day and have difficulty burning off calories as efficiently as they would normally.
Moreover, lack of sleep can lead to fatigue and decreased physical activity throughout the day due to feeling tired or having less energy available for exercise or other forms of movement. This can further contribute to weight gain because fewer calories are being burned off through physical activity. Additionally, when we are tired we often turn to unhealthy sources of food such as sugary snacks or fast food in order to give us an energy boost which can lead to additional calorie consumption with no added benefit for our bodies.
Fortunately, there are ways we can help ensure we’re getting enough restful sleep each night in order to prevent unnecessary weight gain or aid in successful efforts at losing unwanted pounds: firstly by creating a regular bedtime routine; secondly by avoiding caffeine late in the day; thirdly by exercising regularly; fourthly by limiting exposure to artificial light (including technology) before bedtime; fifthly by avoiding alcohol close before going asleep; sixthly ensuring our bedroom is dark and cool; seventhly avoiding large meals right before bedtime; eighthly making sure your mattress is comfortable; ninthly staying away from strenuous activities prior sleeping time (eighth); tenth by taking naps during daytime if possible (tenth).
By following these simple steps you will be doing your best at preventing any potential issues related to sleeping patterns that could cause problems with bodyweight management over time—allowing you instead focus on enjoying a healthier lifestyle today!