How to Lose Weight Sleeping

The busier you are the more weight you should lose, right? According to studies on sleep deprivation and weight gain it has been found that those who sleep less tend to gain more weight over time. But why should an hour or more sleep each night make a difference in weight gain?

How Sleep Affects Weight

The two hormones in your body, leptin and ghrelin, are responsible for your hunger and the lack of hunger. When people experience sleep deprivation the body experiences a decrease in leptin, the hormone that tells your brain you are not hungry, and increases the hormone ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry. Those who experience sleep deprivation for long periods of time tend to eat more which results in weight gain.

Another result of sleep deprivation is the body begins to crave foods that contribute to weight gain such as sweets, salty foods and starchy foods like breads and pasta. It is suspected that this change in food choices is due to the brain needing glucose and seeking out these fatty foods when feeling stressed over lack of sleep.

Sleep Deprivation and Obesity Link

Americans are sleeping less now on the average than they were 40 years ago. In 1960 the average adult slept 8.5 hours each night as compared to today the average adult sleeps less than 7 hours each night. This trend of sleeping less has been linked with the obesity rate in America. In 1960 only one out of nine people were in the obese range of weight. Today, one out of every three adults is obese. People are trading sleep for food and the result is dangerous.

Increase Sleep and Lose Weight

A healthy night's sleep is imperative to have a healthy body and a healthy weight. The negative effects of lack of sleep has been linked not only obesity but also to diabetes and heart disease. Without enough sleep your body is in constant stress mode and this will eventually wear on your body in one way or another. The body also ages faster without the right amount of sleep.

For those on a weight loss program or who are trying to maintain their weight, making a healthy night's sleep a priority will also help in their weight loss. The key is to find a balance in the two hormones, leptin and ghrelin, so you will eat less and crave healthier foods.

A balanced diet, exercise and a good night's sleep will go a long way in keeping your weight down and your body healthy.