How important is sleep to weight loss?

xStellar
xStellar Posts: 28 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I just had my second and last baby a month ago and I am trying to shed the rest of the weight.
I have not gone back to exercise yet since I haven't been cleared by my doctor yet but I have just started logging again and trying to eat at a deficit. I walk a lot and take care of the kids, that's about it. My weight has been stuck around 142-143 (I am 5'7") for the last week or so. I have gotten stricter on my diet. The only thing that would probably be beneficial but isn't possible is sleeping well. I rarely get stretches longer than three hours with the newborn.

My diary is open and I am open to any feedback!

Replies

  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    You need more sleep. When the baby sleeps, stop everything else so you can sleep too.
  • xStellar
    xStellar Posts: 28 Member
    I sleep about 9 hours per night, just not all at once. Baby doesn't let me get more than 3 hours in a row
  • HM2206
    HM2206 Posts: 174 Member
    I find that sleep is very important for me, but not in the direct sense that it stalls weight loss. More in the sense that I move less from being tired, and have a harder time eating right as I need more energy.

    But if you're self disciplined enough to stay within your calories it should be fine. At least that's my experience.
  • erinlikesfood
    erinlikesfood Posts: 22 Member
    Sleep is important for well-being in general, and can affect weight loss via hormonal changes. That said, having a newborn is a pretty good excuse for not getting enough sleep imo, haha. Sleep as much as you're able. As long as you're not wasting long hours watching TV or being on the internet instead of sleeping, don't stress too much, and make an effort to be mindful of whether you're just eating because you're tired.
  • penny0919
    penny0919 Posts: 123 Member
    You had a baby ONE MONTH AGO.

    And you are at a HEALTHY BMI.

    I had my third 9 months ago, so I kind of know what you are going through. Don't worry about losing weight right now. Give your body at least 3 months to adjust. Hormones, water retention, breastfeeding/not breastfeeding, etc play a big part in the first couple months post-partum.

    Studies have shown sleep is pretty important to weight loss, but considering you have a newborn, that isn't going to happen.

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