Are you planning to hit the gym this weekend? Or start that diet you’ve promised yourself? Maybe the detox you’ve been thinking about is about to happen. We all quickly follow the latest fads on how to lose weight, look better, and feel better. But it turns out you might have been working out for the wrong reasons. Experts now suggest a simpler way to achieve your goals. So, don’t throw out your training shoes just yet, but consider sleeping yourself slimmer instead! Maybe put them aside for now and focus on how to sleep better. It’s true that research has shown sleeping well is key to being a healthier, slimmer version of yourself. How does simply sleeping affect your weight and appearance? Let’s explain the science. Sleeping well burns more calories. The act of sleeping burns between 50 and 100 calories per hour. So, those who get the recommended 8 hours of sleep a night wake up with 800 calories less than when they went to sleep.
Sleeping well has both physical and mental benefits. Waking up refreshed makes you more likely to exercise than those who are drained and likely to slob out in front of the TV. Having the energy and motivation to exercise, which helps with weight loss, muscle building and toning up, relies on extended sleep.
Studies have shown that those who sleep well are less likely to be hungry during the day and avoid unnecessary snacking or overeating. Falling asleep and waking up at the right time and getting a full night’s rest helps set the body’s daily rhythm. Once in a proper routine, you can plan meals at healthy intervals. In addition, reducing room temperature can activate brown fat cells, increasing calorie burn. So, get more sleep!Do you want to sleep better and get slimmer? Here are some tips that can help you achieve both.
Firstly, ensure that your last meal is a few hours before bedtime. This allows you to digest your food and avoid the feeling of fullness while sleeping.
Sleeping well reduces cravings. Those who get the recommended amount of sleep each night are more likely to feel satisfied in life, including with their food choices. In contrast, those who are sleep-deprived are more prone to stress or depression, which can lead to giving in to cravings to fill a void in their daily lives.
More sleep equates to more self-control, which in turn means fewer cravings. This is a perfect recipe for a healthy lifestyle.
Sleeping well also makes it easier to stick to your diet. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can alter brain function, leading to the preference for unhealthy food choices over healthier ones. This is further compounded by the lack of motivation experienced by those who are tired, which can result in unhealthy food choices after a poor night’s sleep.
Lastly, sleeping well can smooth out wrinkles. While fitness and slimming are often the focus, it’s important to remember that sleep also has a positive impact on your appearance.
Good night’s sleep is not just beneficial for your health; it can also improve your appearance. Your skin benefits from your metabolic function, smoothing out wrinkles and plumping up your facial skin while you sleep. This natural rejuvenation process can make you look younger.
Why not get to bed earlier and wake up looking your best? With the facts in hand, it’s time to take steps to ensure you get those essential hours of sleep. Here are some simple tips to help you drift off to sleep:
1. Create a cozy sleep environment by lowering the temperature, blocking out light, and investing in quality bedding.
2. Cease all electrical activities at least an hour before bed, including laptops, phones, and TV.
3. Avoid exercising within three hours of bedtime as it can interfere with your sleep cycle.
4. Refrain from consuming excessive alcohol for at least two hours before bedtime.
5. It’s best to avoid caffeine after midday to prevent sleep disturbances.
6. Don’t go to bed hungry or thirsty; this can cause you to wake up during the night.
Improve your sleep and achieve a slimmer physique with these simple yet effective tips.
A hot shower or bath, followed by a warm drink, can significantly speed up your ability to fall asleep. Implement these tips to not only sleep better but also to look and feel better. About Stephanie: Stephanie is a Certified Wellness Consultant and Co-founder of Hush Home. As a health and wellness expert, Stephanie is dedicated to inspiring individuals to live more fulfilling lives through better sleep. She designs and leads sleep workshops for Fortune Global 500 Companies like Citibank, Manulife, and Standard Chartered, enhancing employee performance and productivity with the science of sleep. When she’s not ensuring she gets her 8 hours of sleep or engaging with sleep and wellness topics, Stephanie enjoys hiking with her little Pomeranian, Dookie!