Find your jeans are magically getting tighter and tighter? Chances are your washing machine played no part, but it also may not be your diet that’s totally to blame. According to researchers from the University of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England, adults who have poor sleep patterns are more likely to be overweight and obese and have poorer metabolic health such as diabetes.
The complex relationship involving hormone disruption and fatigue that makes that trip to the gym seem ever more daunting, accompanied with some poor food choices that happen when you’re looking for that quick energy boost from foods high in sugar and fat, and you have yourself a recipe for disaster.
The relationship between sleeplessness and gaining unwanted kilo’s is worth noting and learning how to avoid. The truth is that overweight people tend to have poorer quality of sleep than those of average weight.
A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that there’s a correlation between the current increase in obesity rates and poor sleep quality. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 63% of Australian adults are overweight or obese, with 1 in 4 children overweight or obese.
Poor sleep habits fuel weight gain; weight gain leads to sleeplessness. It’s a vicious cycle, which makes tackling the issue from both angles crucial.
Here are a few reasons why prioritizing sleep can help with weight management.
- Burn More Calories
Being well rested means you have the energy to hit the gym when you wake up in the morning.
- Make Better Food Choices
A good night’s sleep lessens the chance of making poor food choices like reaching for sugary snacks in search of a quick energy boost.
- Keep Your Brain Focused, Naturally
There’s no need to reach for that extra cappuccino or energy drink just to stay alert.
- Helps Regulate Hormone Levels
The body is able to regulate itself after a refreshing and rebooting night’s rest.
Prioritizing sleep is the first step in distancing yourself from the co-dependent relationship of sleeplessness and weight gain.
If you’re unsure where to start a great first step is creating a pre-sleep ritual to help trigger your body and mind that it’s time to start winding down. For some inspiration, check out the pre-Sleep Ritual’s of The Goodnight Co founders Shea and Danielle here.