Lose Weight While You Sleep By Brandon H. Masters At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Is it possible to loose weight overnight? A four-year study carried out by researchers at the University of Wisconsin point outs that this is indeed possible. They found that those who sleep seven to nine hours nightly are less likely to be obese than those who only have between two and four hours sleep a night. As a matter of fact those only having two to four hours a night were seventy three percent more likely to be obese. They found that these percentages lessened significantly in proportion, if the hours spent sleeping were greater than before. Overweight and obesity is a problem for millions of Americans. This research indicates that getting more sleep is an important step in sustaining a healthy body weight.

The National Sleep Foundation carried out a “Sleep In America” poll in 2005. The findings were that adults in America sleep less than seven and hours a night at weekends and just over six and half hours per night throughout the week. When averaging the overall time spent sleeping over the whole week, adults reported an average of only just under seven hours a night These results show that the majority of adults get less than eight hours sleep each night. This may have a knock on effect as to how much each individual weighs.

The above research found specifically, that it had to do with the hormones ghrelin and leptin. The fat cells release leptin to show the level of fat reserves accessible to the body. We feel full and satisfied when leptin levels are high. The opposite effect occurs when the leptin levels are low. When we are hungry the stomach releases ghrelin, the higher the ghrelin levels the hungrier we feel and are inclined to overeat. Lack of sleep causes leptin level to drop and in turn the ghrelin levels will rise. This is why we often feel hungrier when our body is not having sufficient sleep. Lack of sleep also drains our energy, which can result in eating more and being less active throughout the day.

While there is no hard and fast ruling as to the number of hours which we should sleep each night, it is recommended by the experts that we should have between eight and ten hours. This may not seem easy at first but by making some small changes in the daily routine it should be possible to make time for some extra sleep. The first step is to decide what time you will retire to bed each night. In step two setting aside half an hour before hand, for washing face, brushing teeth and other preparations so that you are ready for sleep. Avoid watching television once in bed although reading a book or magazine may help.

To minimize hormone levels (which may effect your ability to fall asleep) exercising should be avoided for at least two to three hours before going to bed. Stimulants such as tea, coffee, nicotine, cola, chocolate and anything containing caffeine should not be taken for at least four hours before going to sleep.

If you have problems sleeping there are many superior nutritional supplements, which contain natural ingredients, combined with vitamins, mineral and herbs, which aid sleep without any harsh side effects. It is always best to check with your physician before commencing any supplement regime.

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