Your New Year’s Resolution Should Include More Sleep

Did you know your new year resolution for weight loss should include more sleep? We tend to think that working out or counting calories is the trick to shedding those extra pounds, but studies show that sleep is just as important to your waistline. So how does sleep affect weight?

In a recent study published in Sleep journal, volunteers entered a nine-day study period that included sleep deprivation. Scientists were able to show that even small amounts of sleep loss caused the brain to hyper respond to food triggers, which increases the risk for obesity and lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes. At the same time, getting the right amount of sleep reduced this hypersensitivity to food stimuli. What this means is that without enough sleep, you are more likely to give in to that bag of chips or plate of cookies rather than healthier foods like fruits and vegetables.

The Journal of Applied Psychology published another study that showed stress along with sleep deficits increased people’s chances even more of making unhealthy food choices. I want my patients to be well informed and have all the tools they need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Having untreated sleep apnea can cause chronic sleep deprivation. That’s why I’ve shared these studies with you- to show you the significance of poor sleep on all aspects of our life and why treating sleep disorders is so important.

I hope you found this information beneficial and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office.