The Sleep/Weight Connection

Ask Glen!

Q. Does weight affect your ability to get a good nights sleep?

A. Yes

The Lighter Side of Good Sleep

Among the numerous factors that affect sleep, such as stress levels, caffeine intake late in the day, and your sleeping environment, extra pounds can also be a detriment to a good night's slumber.

Extra weight may be the culprit in such sleep-robbing issues as lower back pain, snoring, and sleep apnea. According to a publication from the Weight-control Information Network, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, a reduction of five to 15 percent of your total body weight can result in great improvements in your sleep quality, as well as your overall health.

Being overweight may affect your quality of sleep, but did you know that being continuously sleep-deprived might also hinder your efforts to manage your weight? It may be hard to determine which came first -- are you tired because of weight-related sleep problems, or are you overweight because of a lack of restful sleep?

Some studies have shown that poor sleep may alter normal metabolism and hormone functions. A lack of rest may affect not only how calories are burned, but also the types of foods we eat. Many of us have downed high-carb snacks, caffeinated beverages, or late-night pizzas in order to boost our energy levels when we're tired.

Sleep loss may also affect the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that controls appetite. As a result, when we're sleep-deprived, we may continue to feel hungry even when we've eaten a sufficient amount of food.

If you're caught in the sleep/weight cycle, talk to your doctor about methods to improve your sleep quality while safely managing your weight.

Any personal health questions or problems mental or physical or before starting any diet or exercise program.Please consult your physician !
Wishing You Great Health!

Glen Edward Mitchell

Any questions? Ask Glen