How to Lose Weight Sleeping

If you've been trying to lose weight, but are having trouble, try sleeping more! Studies have shown that people can lose between 10 and 20 lbs. by getting more rest at night.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Studies show that people who sleep less tend to weigh more, and were more likely to gain 30 pounds more than those who get more sleep. Sleep depravation can wreak havoc on hormones that control appetite, cravings and the metabolism of fat.

2. First of all, you eat more when you're tired because of an increase in ghrelin, which is a hormone that makes you want to eat more. You also have a drop in leptin, which is a hormone that tells you to stop eating when you're full. Also, when you're tired, you crave junk food such as chocolate and carbs, which break down quickly and give your body an energy boost.

3. During deep sleep, your brain secretes a large amount of growth hormone, that tells your body how to break down fat for fuel. If you deprive yourself of deep sleep, there isn't enough growth hormone to break down fat, so your body stores it in your butt, belly and thighs, or wherever you tend to put on weight.

4. This plan may seem easy, but with our busy lives, it can be hard to get enough sleep in. Aim for at least 7.5 hours or more a night for the best results. When testers tried this for 10 weeks, and didn't change their eating or exercise habits, they all lost at least 10 lbs. and some lost 15!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you're getting uninterrupted sleep for best results. The reason for this is because if you wake up or sleep restlessly, you deprive yourself of deep sleep, which is needed to make the growth hormone. For tips on getting a great night's sleep, please see my other article on sleeping well.

[jsscouter]

on 6/15/2009 Well written. Good advice. Thanks. 5*

[aquaeyedgirl]

on 4/20/2009 Eye catching title! Interesting tips! 5*Reco~~~