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Going to Bed Early Can Help You Lose Weight
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While we know that healthy sleep habits can improve your mood, energy, and productivity, there’s another reason to get more shuteye: Sleep may play a role in weight management. A study published in the journal Obesity found that going to bed early and getting a good night's sleep can help you eat less.
Northwestern University researchers found that people who went to bed late consumed more calories after 8 p.m. than people who went to bed earlier. They also ate fewer fruits and vegetables, had higher BMIs, and frequented the drive-thru. Here's how it works: When you’re tired, grehlin (the hormone that regulates hunger) rises while leptin (the hormone that regulates satiety) decreases. So even if you eat, you may still feel hungry and unsatisfied when you’re sleepy. Sleep deprivation also reduces basal metabolic rate, which means that your body actually needs fewer calories. So at this point, you’re storing more calories as fat.
Here’s one way to sleep better tonight: Unplug. Remove phones, laptops, tablets, and any other electronics from your bedroom for one week and see if your sleep improves.
Click here for more tips to get a good night’s sleep.
About The Author
Amanda Carlson-Phillips – Amanda Carlson-Phillips is the Vice President of Nutrition and Research of Athletes' Performance. As a registered dietitian, she has provided educational seminars and individual counseling to a variety of professional and elite sports organizations.
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