Get More ZZZzzzzs to lose the LBs

Those who sleep less weigh more

People sleeping only five hours per night are 73% more likely to become obese than those getting seven to nine hours per night (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I (NHANES I)).

It’s all in your head - and stomach

Two hormones called leptin and ghrelin affect your eating habits. These become out of balance with those that have a sleeping disorder. Ghrelin, produced in the GI tract, stimulates appetite, while Leptin, produced in fat cells, send a signal to your brain when you’re full.

When leptin and ghrelin get out of whack due to lack of sleep or sleep disturbances, your stomach constantly feels hungry and your brain doesn’t feel satisfied after eating. Until the underlying sleep disorder is corrected, simple diet and exercise will not suffice.

Be sure to devote enough time to sleep. Patients that have their sleep concerns corrected have actually noticed some weight loss after treatment. If you’ve noticed excessive overeating lately and issues falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, be sure to tell your doctor.