5 Reasons To Take Back Your Sleep!

Sleep deprivation is a form of torture in some small countries. So, why do we purposely do it to ourselves? I can run a company, take care of my family, volunteer at school, am a deacon at my church, leap tall buildings in a single bound...all on 4 hours of sleep. Go me!

I hate to tell you this, but that’s all wrong. We are built genetically to sleep. Yes. It’s in our DNA. How much or how little? The professionals say at least seven to nine hours. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need an average of 7-9 hours of sleep just to maintain overall health. We want to tell you about an added benefit. Getting that sleep will actually help you lose weight. Yep, sounds like magic, but you can actually lose weight because you are sleeping. How great is that!

Here’s how it works.

According to recent research, sleep helps you lose weight in five major ways. “Researchers at Columbia University found that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are heavier, gain more weight over time, and have a harder time losing weight!”

Stop the late night snacking! You’re not really hungry. You’re bored and tired. Skip the extra calories and get some sleep.
It’s a physics thing. If you are well-rested, you’ll have more energy the next day so you will automatically burn more calories. Getting a good night’s sleep will keep you from being a couch potato the next day.
Getting sleep helps burn the fat. Studies have shown that people eating the exact same foods but get less sleep keep on the fat. Those who sleep burn the fat.
Better sleep helps you with portion control. It’s been proven that those with enough sleep are better able to reduce calorie intake simply by reducing the amount of food they eat.
Women’s Health states, “Your brain functions differently without sleep. Researchers at Harvard Medical School performed brain scans on people who reported high daytime sleepiness and measured their brain activity in response to high-calorie foods. The scans revealed reduced activation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex—an area of the brain involved with inhibition and behavior control. Translation: Lowered inhibitions indicate a tendency to overeat when you're tired.”

So, take back your sleep! Take pride that you are taking care of yourself by sleeping. Consider it a part of your workout routine. You will avoid higher cortisol levels which lead to your body storing body fat around your stomach. It will decrease your fasting blood glucose levels and lessen your chances for developing pre-type 2 diabetes. Besides all the health benefits, you’ll be less grumpy and more fun to be around!

The Platform Fitness is committed to helping you 24/7. We are thrilled that you are a part of our health team and we are here to help you achieve your health goals when you’re awake or asleep!