If you want to burn more calories during the day? Then hit the snooze button.
Seriously. Recent research shows how a sleep deficit does more than foster cappuccino cravings. A lack of slumber may also increase your risk for weight gain -- even if you're not overeating.
Sleepless and Sinking
In a study, middle-aged women who slept 5 hours or less per night gained more weight than the women getting 7 or more hours of shut-eye nightly. And the sleepless set was at much higher risk of gaining significant weight -- as much as 33 pounds -- during the 16-year study. Whoa! Women who slept 6 or fewer hours nightly also tended to gain a bit more weight than the 7-hour sleepers.
The truly big surprise of the study? The short sleepers weren't raiding the cookie jar. In fact, they took in about 50 fewer calories than their skinnier, longer-sleeping peers. All of which left the researchers to speculate that a lack of sleep may somehow depress metabolism, so people burn fewer calories around the clock. Missing out on deep, restorative REM sleep could also alter hormones in as yet undiscovered ways linked to higher body weights. Better hit the hay happy -- and sleep better -- with these steps:
Pull on some wooly socks. It helps your body release heat as a prelude to slumber. Real Age benefit:
Getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night can make your real age as much as 3 years younger.
Wow!!!! 3 years younger….thoes are some seriously great benefits just from the right amount of sleep.
You can get this and more Information from RealAge
Yes, I have read about this too. I usually get about 6 1/2 hours, but I still always feel tired and I have definitely gained weight over the years, so I must not be getting enough. However, unlike in the study, I HAVE been raiding the cookie jar too! :) I think I'm in big trouble....no sleep and cookies! :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I average about 5 hours sleep and it all makes sense causing a weight gain. I will definitely have to sleep more after reading this since it might make me look younger. :-) Very informative post! Thanks!
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