Sleep!! Sleep!! Read all about it!

How many of you get 8 hours of {{sleep}} a night? I know I don't! Did you know that it is very important to weight loss to get at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night? I have not been able to sleep well the last few weeks, and I think that has to do with the number on the scale every saturday. Did you know that a person that only gets 5-6 hours of sleep a night compared to some one that gets 6-8 will gain an average of 1.6 more pounds a year?

Regular sleep helps regulate your {{appetite}}, and helps your body to be able to burn carbs better. Lack of sleep will make you more irritable, moody, and flattened emotional response, which in turn makes you want to eat more, and eat food that is bad for you.

The number one cause of lack of sleep is stress, which is also the number one cause of over eating! But did you know that being {{obese}} can also cause you to not sleep well? The possition you sleep in, the aches and pains of your body, they all have an affect of how you sleep at night.. The best position to sleep in is on your back, it provides the best support for your entire body, but if your like me, that is unthinkable! I am a side sleeper, and that is ok, if you do it right. The best way to sleep on your side, is to do it on your left side, as it promotes healthy blood flow. Also keep a pillow between your legs and arms to support your body to stay in a good form.

Now, how do you get that good night sleep? EXERCISE! That is the number one way to get a good night sleep! Isn't it ironic that sleeping helps you lose weight, and losing weight helps you sleep? Other things include going to bed at the same time every night, do not drink caffeine for at least 4-6 hours before you plan on going to bed. Do not watch TV in bed, don't go to bed hungry, but don't over eat just before bed either, and lastly get up at the same time on the weekends!

Just for fun, here are some foods that if you have troubles falling asleep will help you out... Banana's, chamomile tea, warm milk, {{honey}}, potatoes, oatmeal, almonds, flaxseed, whole wheat bread and turkey. Just remember if you are going to use this to aid in sleep remember your portion control and dont over eat! Avoid spicy food, high in sugar foods, greasy or oily, and high in protein foods just before bed as they can cause you to stay awake!


<3 Karen 



Info was found on apa.org and webmd.com