According to a study presented at the Endocrine Society National meeting, getting 30 minutes of sleep less than you should every day can be the reason you’ve gained a few extra pounds. It’s hard to get the perfect amount of sleep, but it’s important to try and get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night otherwise you can find yourself not having the energy to commit to a healthy lifestyle.

Hormones and Food

Sleep deprivation is a vicious thing. If you miss out on it, your stress hormone levels rise, which usually increase your appetite. While we wish that meant we were hungry for some greens, unfortunately the stress causes your body to want to produce serotonin (the happy hormone) and the easiest way to get that is by eating something sweet and fattening. Not to mention, your lack of sleep makes it difficult to digest these sugars. We told you, sleep deprivation is a vicious thing.

Weight Gain Isn’t the Only Issue

Sleep pretty much affects every system in your body. If you lack the proper rest, your body begins to physically show signs in hopes you might get a hint (dark eye circles, etc.). If you don’t see it physically, you will sure notice it in other ways. Little sleep can result in low cognitive functioning, reaction time, and even memory.

Living Batteries

Think of humans as phones. They need time to charge so they can be their very best. Have you ever used a phone on 5%? The phone darkens, it works slower, and won’t allow you certain abilities such as taking photos. If it doesn’t get to a charger it’s going to crash hard. Not unlike people at all.

Sleep Better

Sometimes the right bed can make all the difference in your sleep cycle. Try out Tempur-Pedic mattresses at your local BrandSource mattress store to help end your sleep deprivation ASAP!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert