Source: Glenythanvetgroup.com
Here's another reminder regarding the benefits of sleep for weight loss from the ever-interesting New York Times. This is a must read.
I was also struck by one of the commenters, who wisely said,
Interesting the connection with sleep and possibly hormones. I hope this will help calm the negativity and blame directed at fat people. There are still so many things we don’t completely understand about weight loss/management.
There is, indeed, much that we do not understand.
Personally, although I don't believe I'm particularly sleep-deprived--at least most of the time--I feel that the quality of my sleep is not all that it should be. I'm not sure why, but I feel that I rarely sleep deeply. I know that I toss and turn a lot. My husband is always complaining about how all the covers end up on my side of the bed. I also have many mini periods of wakefulness. I wouldn't call it insomnia, but again, it's not deep, restful sleep. Something to ponder. Should I be drinking warm milk before bed?
P.S. And to go along with the sleeping article, let's hear it for napping too! Read this.
Sleep is key. You can get through almost anything if you've had enough sleep. I wake up several times throughout the night but can fall back to sleep with the help of NPR. They drone on and it puts me right out. I don't know about the connection between sleep and weight loss but it makes sense to me. That cat is adorable.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you posted this! I have long been aware of the connection between lack of sleep and weight, and I have been trying to get more sleep - but I don't seem to be having much luck. I am a restless sleeper too, and wake often. Like you I wouldn't call it insomnia, but I certainly don't feel rested during the day. Just got to keep trying, I suppose. And yes, that cat is adorable!
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy. Is this feeling of not sleeping properly a recent thing? If so it could be to do with the change. Sheilagh on "60 by 60" had real trouble sleeping until she went on HRT. It was an instant solution for her. Not that I'm suggesting HRT. But there are plenty of supplements proven to help which might be an avenue to explore.
ReplyDeleteI rarely get enough sleep - but that's because I find it so difficult to get myself to bed at a reasonable time!
Bearfriend xx
If you are eating regular protein during the day at meals, you could try eating a whole grain (ryvita cracker, a few triscuits, a small potato, etc) before bed. It helps produce the biochemistry your brain needs to sleep... it really helps my sleep quality (and dreams) a lot.
ReplyDeleteSleep really is important. The other day a dr. friend told me that studies have shown that sleep (or lack of good sleep) can affect our metabolism.
ReplyDelete