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Sleep
| Posted on Jul 22, 2011 |
Sleep is Important For Your Health and Your Weight Loss
Sleep is necessary for our health and well being, but it also may be important in weight loss. Sleep is a basic, essential function of life. Unfortunately, the importance of a good night’s rest is often overlooked. This is particularly important because millions of people suffer from lack of sleep. Recent studies have shown people are sleeping less and are having more difficulty going to sleep and staying asleep. The importance of a good night sleep is emphasized by the fact that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems.Sleep and Weight Loss
There is an increasing amount of scientific data that emphasizes the importance of sleep on our weight. Possibly through the hormones leptin and ghrelin, it is more and more evident that poor sleep increases our appetites as well as decreases our energy to exercise. An occasional “all nighter” is probably not harmful; however, chronic, sleep deprivation can result in serious health consequences. Lack of sleep can cause a decrease in your cognitive function and memory, weight gain, and has been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Not surprisingly, studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation may even decrease your life expectancy.There are many behavior and environmental factors that may affect your sleep – perhaps the most important: being stressed. Some sleep experts say this is the number one cause of sleeping difficulties. Once the stressful situation is resolved, a more healthy sleep routine usually returns. Your job can also have a significant impact on your sleep routine. Twenty percent of workers in the United States do shift work. Shift work makes developing regular sleep habits difficult which leads to decreased sleep and poor sleep quality.
How to Get a Good Nights Sleep
There are several ways to achieve and maintain a healthy sleep pattern. We suggest maintaining a routine before bed. Have an inviting bedtime routine such as reading something non-work related or perhaps practicing meditation, relaxation therapy, or prayer before bed. Try to have a set schedule as to when you go to bed and wake in the morning, even on the weekends. Avoid caffeine and smoking before bed; they are both stimulants and make it more difficult to fall asleep. Excessive alcohol consumption before bed may cause episodic awakenings throughout the night and restless sleep. Avoid excessive physical activity and heavy meals before bed as this makes falling asleep more difficult. Be sure you have a soothing sleep atmosphere including a comfortable mattress, pillows, and blankets. Your room should be inviting for sleep – dark, cool, and quiet. Don’t let the bedroom turn into the family room. That is, don’t watch television, work on the computer, or have work related materials with you in bed. Your bedroom should be a place for only sleep and sex.If you have tried all of the above techniques and still have problems falling asleep or maintaining sleep, it is time to contact your doctor to make sure there are no other medical problems that are contributing to your sleep difficulties.
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All articles on Achieve-Life.com are written by board certified physicians.
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