Losing weight involves sacrifices, sweats and even tears. But all along many has been lacking out on one major factor to lose weight—sleep. And yes, going to bed earlier can be that push you’ve been needing all along.

The loss of sleep can do things to the body and that would mean an additional accumulation of flabs, fats, pounds or however you call it. Sleep loss can result to:

1. Pangs of hunger. Sleep loss can affect the cortisol secretion. Cortisol is known to be the hormone that regulates appetite. So once there is very little sleep, the body may crave for more food even though the food taken in the body is already sufficient enough.
2. Fat storage increase. Since the body may find it hard to metabolize carbohydrate due to lack of sleep, the body’s tendency is to store fat. These in consequence can lead to high blood sugar levels that can lead to overproduction of insulin when this happens the body may experience insulin resistance and develop diabetes later.

On the other hand, those people who are obese continue to have sleep problems. And it can become only a cycle if not addressed right away or given the right intervention.

Sleep Problems Among Overweight

In the opposite part of the situation, those who are already overweight may have the sleep problems permitting the chance to gain more weight. And there are scientific reasons why these occur.

1. Due to sleep apnea, overweight people tend to stop and start breathing again during sleep. This can be causing awakenings during the night. This can happen for numerous times in one night which can make the sufferer feel sleepy the next day.
2. Back pain may cause lying down and sleeping uncomfortable. This can cause a bad night sleep in the process.
3. Depression over weight again can cause insomnia or the inability to fall asleep, even at will, during the night.

Amount of Your Sleep May Dictate Your Weight

The average night sleep of human being has greatly declined since 19900’s. from the 9 hours a night, it has become 7 hours a night this time. The right amount of sleep can let one function normally. And many people still hasn’t realized that sleep and obesity are together.

The lesser you sleep the bigger chance that you may have the SAD or the Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD can make one experience food cravings. And it isn’t just the normal cravings but cravings over carbohydrates that can be accounted for that weight gain.

And sleep loss doesn’t just gain you pounds; it can cause you to be irritable, fatigued coupled with headaches.

Now, how do you overturn these situations? How will you have sleep to your advantage? Here are some tips to help you.

1. Sleep soundly for 8 hours length.
2. Catch up on sleep during weekends.
3. Keep your sleeping environment peaceful, dim and free from distraction. Add a touch of music to help you calm.
4. Eat big breakfast but little on lunch and dinner.
5. Eat more protein during the day, it can help suppress appetite but is still good for the body.
6. Walk some part of your day. Do it for 30 minutes.
7. Exercise every day.

There are many approaches to deal with these sleep and weight problem. And losing weight can take time and with the sleep loss that can hamper your goal, it can be disheartening. If ever this impedes your everyday life already and can’t seem to be manageable, a good long evaluation with your general practitioner will do.

Image Credit: UrbaneWomenMag from Flickr.