You've probably heard that getting enough sleep is important for your health. But did you know that sleeping well can also have a direct impact on weight loss? In this blog, Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, explains why enough sleep is crucial and how it can contribute to achieving your weight goals. Getting rich while sleeping, we can't help you with that, but losing weight while sleeping seems like a close second to us.
Sleep deprivation and weight gain
It is a fact that sleep deprivation is linked to weight gain. When you don't sleep enough, hormonal changes can occur that affect your appetite and metabolism. The hormone ghrelin, responsible for stimulating appetite, increases, while the hormone leptin, which regulates feelings of satiety, decreases. This allows you to experience more hunger and less quickly get the signal that you have eaten enough. This can lead to overeating and eventually weight gain.
Sleep and calorie burn
Sleeping well not only affects your appetite, but also your calorie burn. During sleep, your body recovers and important processes are initiated, such as the repair and growth of muscle tissue. Muscle burns more calories than fat, even at rest. This is the famous afterburn effect. By getting enough sleep, you give your body time to recover optimally and to maintain or build muscle mass. This can contribute to increased calorie burn and long-term weight loss.
Sleep and hormonal balance
A good night's sleep is also essential for maintaining a healthy hormonal balance. Hormones such as insulin, cortisol and growth hormone all play a role in metabolism and fat storage. Sleep deprivation can disrupt the balance of these hormones, which can lead to reduced insulin sensitivity – which in turn can promote weight gain – and increased cortisol production – which in turn can contribute to the dangerous belly fat. Getting enough sleep can help promote hormonal balance in your body and support your weight loss goals.
Take your sleeping habits seriously
Now that you know that getting a good night's sleep is an essential factor for weight loss, it's time to take your sleep habits seriously. Have a consistent sleep routine, create a sleep-friendly environment, and avoid stimulating activities right before bed. Give yourself the rest you need and experience the positive effects of enough sleep. Regular exercise can contribute to good sleep habits by improving sleep quality, reducing stress and regulating your circadian rhythm. Do not plan your training sessions too close to bedtime, so that your body has enough time to cool down and relax.
Knowing more?
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