Weight Loss and Sleep - Their Interconnected Relationship

It is observed that even when you are following a rigorous weight loss program or you are dieting, poor pattern of sleep or lack of sleep may defeat you. Scientific studies show that one of the reasons for weight gain can be lack of sleep. Experts are not quite sure why this happens. There are many reasons being advanced and discussed by the experts.

Cortisol is one of the hormones that regulates appetite. It is secreted by the adrenal gland. Both adrenaline and cortisol are released by the body as a normal daily hormonal cycle. Adrenaline increases your metabolism and makes you alert and energetic, Adrenaline helps release of energy by fat cells. Cortisol boosts effectiveness of your body at producing glucose from proteins; thus in times of stress, it helps quickly increase the body’s energy.

In times of stress – whether physical or emotional – the body may trigger the adrenal gland to release adrenaline as well as cortisol. This will affect your metabolism by making you feel hungry when you really are not. Lack of sleep could start such an action which will result in weight gain.

It is also observed that when you do not get enough sleep, you are depressed and you do not move around much; consequently you do not burn enough fat. This also causes you to gain weight and not lose weight.

The mechanism of adrenal fatigue also may be partly responsible for weight gain when you have not had restful sleep. In case of Adrenal Fatigue the brain receives the pick-me-up signal, causing a craving for sugar or carbohydrate snacks, resulting in causing excess of calories to the body.

A good restful sleep has the ability to de-stress the mind and body. On the contrary lack of sleep tends to cause a constant state of stress. This will cause production of excess cortisol. Cortisol stimulates glucose production which due to its being in excess is converted into fat.

When you are trying to lose weight, getting enough sleep is very essential. Poor sleep affects you physically as well as mentally. You tend to be confused, short tempered and depressed when you lack proper sleep.

Follow a natural weight loss routine, treat going to bed at the same time each night as a priority item in your activity schedule. Try to get about 7 to 8 hours sleep. Bed time routines such as washing your face, removing makeup, applying a face mask or some routines of this nature will help you unwind before going to bed. A calm, pleasant frame of mind is very essential for getting good, restful sleep.

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