sleeping for health

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

We always need more, and we never seem to have enough.  So, what’s stopping you?

Sleeping is so important it is one of the first fundamental tasks of life we learn, along with eating, crying, and utilizing the diaper.  However, as we age it is often the first thing we neglect.  WHY? I’m sure the list could go on, and on, and on…

 

Decrease Sleep, Increase Weight.

It’s true, and research proves it.  A lack of sleep can make you fat.

The majority of us lose sleep trying to balance work, family, and our social life (if we even have time for one).  It is stated the average person needs between 7-8 hours of sleep a night for proper neurological, biochemical, and physiological hormonal response.

Studies consistently show the average American receives significantly less sleep averaging only 6 hours or less a night.  As stated above, on average one needs 7-8 hours of sleep a night to for properly functioning hormones and metabolism.   Not only does this lack of sleep disrupt your Cortisol balance (your stress hormone, see below for symptoms related to unbalanced levels), it also throws off your hunger hormones and increases your appetite!

Leptin and Ghrelin are responsible for signaling satiety and hunger cravings, respectfully.  A lack of sleep disrupts these hormones, increasing the number and size of your fat cells, and also increases your cravings for late night snacks which often include high glycemic carbohydrates, trans fats, and processed sugar.  High glycemic foods, coupled with unbalanced cortisol and a slower metabolism, will 95% of the time lead to weight gain, fatigue, and often chronic pain.

So, next time you decide to put sleep off for 10 more minutes of work, think again.  Learn to thrive efficiently and effectively.

According to health experts, work does NOT make most of us happy.

Remember to balance your life, and remember life’s A.B,C’s…  eat, move,  SLEEP, and be merry.

 

Common Symptoms of Cortisol Imbalance:

Fatigue, unintentional weight gain, unintentional weight loss, anxiety, low mood and/or depression, low libido, insomnia, chronic pain

If any of these symptoms seem all too familiar to you, please follow up with your doctor and nutritionist.  It may be time to have those hormones checked!