Sleep and Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight, the best way to start may be by getting more sleep. We already know that lack of sleep is a risk factor for weight gain and obesity. Now a study in the American journal of clinical Nutrition finds that sleeping at least seven hours a night may help people eat healthier  with consume a lot less sugar  . It also says  that getting more sleep is an attainable goal for healthy adults who are so-called “short sleepers.”

Researchers recruited volunteers who slept between 5 and 7 hours a night. Half were given a one-time sleep consultation and half were not. The group that received counselling was asked to do things like cutting back on caffeine late in the day and turning off electronic devices close to bedtime. After a month, most people in that group were staying in bed longer and half of them were actually sleeping 52 to 90 minutes longer. The group that slept more also consumed two and a half teaspoons less sugar each  day and had healthier diets overall with fewer fats and carbohydrates. There is lots of scientific evidence for this.. But the researchers say this study is important  because it demonstrates  how easy, low-cost strategies can  make a big difference.