Eat and Sleep: Get The Figure Of Your Dreams By Learning How To “Relax” More

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

How many of us (trying to drop those extra pounds) think that what’s missing from our daily diet is enough exercise and activity? We cut back on calories, and sleep, so we can hit the gym bright and early (and boost our metabolism for the day, as recommended by the experts). But missing out on some extra zzzzs may be in fact what is making us fat.

That’s right ladies, some new research shows, that we may not need to get up and go, but to put up our feet, close our eyes, and go to sleep.

Studies show that since the 1960s, we have been losing at minimum 2 hours (of required) sleep per night, and during that same time period we have also gained a significant amount of weight. Research also shows that 40 years ago, only 25 % of adults were (considered) overweight, and only one in nine considered obese. Today, two out of three are overweight, and one out of three considered obese.

Previous studies found an association between less sleep and increased body mass index. It was noted that people who slept an average of five hours per night instead of eight hours per night, exhibited a higher body mass index.

Furthermore, when researchers collected blood samples from volunteer, they noted that those who were (considered) sleep deprived showed higher levels of ghrelin, a hormone produced in the stomach that sends hunger signals to the brain and causes you to crave food. Additionally, these same people also had lower levels of leptin, another appetite regulating hormone, produced by fat cells and delivers satiation signals to the brain.

Another observation was that those who were sleep deprived exhibited increased craving for sweet, fatty, and salty foods.

Long Island Health, Fitness & Beauty Articles > Eat and Sleep: Get The Figure Of Your Dreams By Learning How To “Relax” More