Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by cottonbro studio Pexels Logo Photo: cottonbro studio

How much sleep to lose weight?

To aid weight loss, it is recommended to sleep for 7-8 hours, experts say. “Continuous sleep of 7-8 hours is beneficial as it makes you feel energetic, thereby, acting as a motivational tool for indulging in a physical activity which is directly related to weight loss.

Do edibles damage your health?
Do edibles damage your health?

While consuming edibles may seem like a harmless way to release stress, it is actually much more dangerous than you may realize. There are many...

Read More »
How can I drop 15 pounds fast?
How can I drop 15 pounds fast?

How to Lose 15 Pounds in a Week: 8 Tips to Lose Weight Fast Eliminate Unhealthy Carbs. To achieve rapid weight loss, you'll have to alter your...

Read More »

Sleep plays a vital role in the healthy functioning of our body and, therefore, lack of it can result in several health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, impaired cognitive ability, and mental health disorders, among others. But, did you know that sleep also has a direct link to weight loss? “Numerous studies have suggested that restricted sleep and poor sleep quality may lead to metabolic disorders, weight gain, and an increased risk of obesity and other chronic health conditions,” according to sleepfoundation.org. A 2022 study, presented at European Congress on Obesity (ECO), highlighted that not getting enough good quality sleep undermines people’s attempts to keep weight off after dieting, and argues that about two hours of robust physical activity per week can help support better sleep. “Adults who aren’t sleeping enough or getting poor quality sleep after weight loss appear less successful at maintaining weight loss than those with sufficient sleep.” Dr Signe Torekov, the study lead, told Medical News Today.

Buy Now | Our best subscription plan now has a special price

Agreeing, Dr Jugendra Singh, Senior Consultant – Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta Lucknow said that lack of energy and sleepiness or fatigue are often combatted by caffeine and sugar, leading to weight gain and less exercise. But, why does that happen? As per physiological studies, the two hormones – ghrelin and leptin – are to be blamed. “Ghrelin is the hormone that tells you when to eat, and when you are sleep deprived, you have more ghrelin. Leptin is the hormone that tells you to stop eating, and when you are sleep deprived, you have less leptin,” he explained. As such, sleeping for inadequate hours tend to increase hunger in adults, particularly for calorie-dense foods, which are high in carbohydrates, according to Dr Navneet Sood, Senior consultant and clinical lead, Pulmonary, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. “Another effect could be that sleep deprivation produces fatigue, which leads to decreased physical activity that directly affects weight gain and loss,” he added. Cortisol or the stress hormone is another responsible factor behind weight gain due to sleep deprivation. Explaining, Dr Sood said, “Cortisol is responsible for our body’s natural ability to get up in the morning and fall asleep at night. It is at its highest just before waking up and gradually decreases during the day until it reaches its lowest at night (indicating to the body that it is time to sleep). Cortisol levels do not fall as they should during the day when we do not get adequate sleep. When our cortisol levels are elevated for an extended time, our bodies are signalled to store fat and use muscle for energy.” Also in the series | Why sleeping on your stomach can be harmful for health

What is the best way to consume cinnamon?
What is the best way to consume cinnamon?

Drink Cinnamon Water The best way to consume cinnamon for diabetes is to drink water infused with the spice. Soak a 2-inch piece or bark of...

Read More »
Does phentermine reduce inflammation?
Does phentermine reduce inflammation?

Due to weight loss, risk factors to health also go down, such as an improvement in insulin sensitivity, and the reduction of inflammation and blood...

Read More »

How many hours should you sleep?

To aid weight loss, it is recommended to sleep for 7-8 hours, experts say. “Continuous sleep of 7-8 hours is beneficial as it makes you feel energetic, thereby, acting as a motivational tool for indulging in a physical activity which is directly related to weight loss. Also, sleeping early reduces the chances of late night snacking on junk food/ high fat and carbs snacks,” dietitian Upasana Sharma, Head Nutritionist, Max Hospital, Gurugram said. Agreeing, Dr Sood added that sleeping for seven to nine hours is recommended so that your body heals appropriately. It helps “prevent obesity, and keep cortisol levels from becoming too high – one of the more obvious causes of weight gain and muscle loss”.

Can weight gain affect your sleep?

Now that it’s established that your sleep can aid or hamper your weight loss journey, it’s crucial to note that the converse stands true, too. “Morbid obesity leads to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome which leads to further poor quality and further weight gain,” Dr Singh said. Dr Sood added: “Excess fat works as insulation and padding for your body. It is obvious when it results in a larger stomach, a fuller face, enlarged hips, or more prominent buttocks. This crowding, combined with additional weight pressing from the outside, such as a bigger neck or stomach, causes the airway to collapse and cause complications.”

Also in the series | Can diabetes affect your sleep and vice versa?

Sleeping tips for healthy weight loss

Here are some essential ways that can help you sleep better and promote weight loss, according to Sharma.

*Exercise daily

*Eat 2-3 hours before sleeping

*Use relaxing techniques like meditation for sound sleep

*Avoid caffeine before bedtime

*Avoid alcohol and smoking

*Fix sleeping timings

“Turn off your computer, cell phone, and television at least an hour before going to bed and create a bedtime ritual for a better quality of sleep,” Dr Sood added. Dr Singh stressed that one’s bedroom should be primarily for sleep to get a restful slumber. “Avoid excessive eating and weight gain, OSA patients should apply CPAP medical device for good quality of sleep, and avoid excessive stress,” he suggested. 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!

How to lose 20 pounds in three weeks?
How to lose 20 pounds in three weeks?

How to Lose 20 Pounds as Fast as Possible Count calories. ... Drink more water. ... Increase your protein intake. ... Reduce your refined carb...

Read More »
How does your lower stomach feel in early pregnancy?
How does your lower stomach feel in early pregnancy?

Lower abdominal pain is normal during pregnancy and is most common between 18 and 24 weeks. Your growing uterus is pulling and straining the...

Read More »
Why am I so bloated and gaining weight?
Why am I so bloated and gaining weight?

Some causes may be related to stress, alcohol consumption, or medications. Other causes can be a result of health conditions like hypothyroidism or...

Read More »
How can I tighten my stomach skin without surgery?
How can I tighten my stomach skin without surgery?

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments Brand name treatments include Profound® RF, Exilis®, Morpheus8®, and Thermage®. Like ultrasound treatments, RF...

Read More »