Are you having trouble losing weight, despite nutrition changes or lots of exercise?
Do you ever crave sugar or carbohydrates, especially at night?
Do you have an afternoon slump and a huge second wind in the late evening?
If you said yes to any of the above, chances are that your sleep (or lack thereof) is sabotaging your health and it could be the missing link between you and your goals.
Many of my clients
know they should cut calories and exercise more to trim down in order to maintain or loose weight. However, many don't make the connection that if they struggle with being chronically sleep deprived, they will continue to be on a never ending yo-yo diet.
Not surprising, their schedules are jammed packed with long hours at work, endless errands, family obligations and 24/7 technology ,all of which result in STRESS. The cycle continues day after day and sleep tends to fall off the priority list. Despite your busy lifestyle, it cannot be overstated enough that if you are serious about improving your health-- bedtime is a good place to start.
According to a 2014 study done by the Metabolism and Health Center at the University of Chicago, sleep deprivation affects every process in the body. Examples include having increased levels of a hunger and decreased levels of fullness. You tend to eat more (avg. 300 extra calories of high fat) than what is needed to cover the energy needed to stay awake longer and have less physical activity.
Having good intentions and actually having good actions are totally different. What I have seen work for others who have difficulty getting 7-9 hours of sleep is setting a night time routine. Some of the key things to consider that would be beneficial to implement include:
◾No electronic screens (TV, email, Facebook) at least 1 hour before bed; instead take a bath, write, read, etc.
◾Turn lights down or use dimmer
◾For kiddos: Bath, brush teeth, and books (moms too!)
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