The Sleep Diet

You see it all over the web: the sleep diet. The basic gist of the plan is to get at least 7.5 hours sleep each night, while will result in a 10-15 pound weight loss in ten weeks. That does not mean you will continue to shed weight after those ten weeks. While sleep is important, the truth is that dropping significant weight requires a bit more effort.

Sleep is Important

Getting 7.5 hours sleep each night is a worthwhile endeavor. You will have less stress in your life, be more alert, and be less likely to suffer from depression. But getting more sleep does not help everyone to lose weight. Some of us have been 10-hour sleepers all our lives and still have problems maintaining a healthy weight.

How to Get Extra Sleep

Extra sleep is not easy to get, especially if you are trying to maintain a healthy diet. Staying healthy takes work, including counting calories, meal planning and exercise. Most of us have such tight schedules that we have trouble making the time to brush our teeth, much less sleeping 8 hours every night.

Early to Bed

There are some ways to squeeze in those extra hours of sleep, but you will have to give up some things you love to make the time. One of them is television. No more staying up late to see your favorite show. Instead, record the program and watch it later during your workout.

Napping

Another way to get more sleep is to fall in love with the nap. Naps feel wonderful. Even if you lie there half-awake for a bit, you will feel more calm and relaxed when you get up. Instead of rushing to take care of household chores when you get home from work, go up to your bedroom and rest for half an hour. This is a great way to reduce stress and will make it easier for you to fall asleep quickly at bedtime.

The Real Way to Lose Weight

While sleep is beneficial to your health, significant weight loss requires that you eat healthy foods, often and in small quantities. Drink enough water and exercise regularly. Getting extra sleep will help you benefit from your diet plan, but it is not the final answer.