Having trouble losing weight? Sleep may be to blame.

 

Having trouble losing weight? Sleep may be to blame.

Diet and exercise play a critical role in weight loss, but another key factor that is often overlooked is sleep. No matter how many calories you consume or how many times you hit the gym, not getting enough sleep can undermine your weight-loss efforts.

The amount and quality of sleep you get at night can impair your metabolism and affect your appetite. Shorter sleep durations have been linked to reduced amounts of the hormone leptin and increased amounts of the hormone ghrelin. Such differences can increase an individual’s appetite, causing them to consume more calories during the day and affect their overall weight. Shorter sleep durations have also been associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity.

Sleep issues, such as sleep apnea, can affect an individual’s weight, as well. When sleep disorders affect oxygen intake, as is the case with obstructive sleep apnea, stress levels can increase, causing the body to release cortisol. Consequently, cortisol can create spikes in blood sugar levels and increase weight gain.

Concerned that your quality of sleep may be affecting your weight? Please call our team at FusionSleep to set up at a consultation and begin your journey to healthy sleep. We can be reached at (678) 990-3962, or you can fill out our online appointment form, and we will get in touch with you promptly.