Thursday, October 09, 2008
Part 1:
When people talk about weight loss and control, the discussion usually revolves around improving diet and increasing exercise. Now, what if I were to tell you that you could actually help yourself control your weight while you sleep?
When I first learned about this, I thought the same thing you’re probably thinking – that it just sounds too good to be true. However, I have found through my own experience and that of many of my counseling clients that it really IS true. With mounting medical evidence linking quality sleep and appetite control, catching your zzzz’s is one of the most important ways to conquer your cravings especially for sugary, high-carbohydrate and calorie-dense foods. And as a result, you will have better control over your weight, improve your health, feel better and look great.
Let’s look at your own sleep habits, WHY you may need to make some changes and HOW.
Which of the following statements are TRUE for you?
- I rarely go to sleep much before midnight.
- I usually have trouble falling asleep.
- I usually wake up during the night.
- I often feel sleep deprived.
If one or more of these statements are TRUE for you, then you may not be getting proper sleep. This could seriously be holding you back from reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Here's why...
The effect of hormones
While you’re asleep you may think that your body is fully at rest, but inside it is actually very busy producing all kinds of hormones such as the ones that control your appetite and the ones that signal your brain when you're full. Too little or disturbed sleep can throw off these hormone levels so that the next day you can’t help but wonder why your appetite is seemingly insatiable with stronger than usual cravings for sugary, high carbohydrate and calorie-dense foods. It’s as if your brain is not signaling to you when you’re full. That is exactly what’s happening. This helps to explain why it may be so difficult to stop after only one cookie, for example. Not exactly a good recipe for effective weight control.
Check out my two other great articles on this subject!
Part 2 - Benefits of getting proper sleep
Part 3 - Simple strategies to help change your sleep habits
Roslyn Franken is a proud cancer survivor and acclaimed author of The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living and Death Can Wait: Stories from Cancer Survivors. She is a motivational speaker and host of the How to Thrive after 35 internet radio show. Roslyn also offers one-on-one counseling by telephone and email conveniently accessible world-wide. For more information and a complimentary consultation, visit www.roslynfranken.com, send email to info@roslynfranken.com or call 1-877-852-5852 .