Importance of sleep.

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discoburn
discoburn Posts: 10 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could explain why it's important to weight loss to get good sleep? And what is considered good?

I've found I'm not losing as much as I "should" be considering the exercise I do and the calories I eat. I'm currently having huge difficulties with sleep due to a distressing life event I'm going through, I was wondering if the lack of sleep could be a factor.

Thanks for reading :)

Replies

  • MummaSue
    MummaSue Posts: 242 Member
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    I don't actually know but I think it does have a bearing - I always seem to weigh heavier when I'm down on my sleep. I'm interested to see replies too.
  • PennyNickel14
    PennyNickel14 Posts: 749 Member
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    http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/lack-of-sleep-weight-gain

    Both sleep and extreme stress have an dramatic impact on weight loss.

    Hope things calm down for you!

    (hug)
  • MelissaSel
    MelissaSel Posts: 86 Member
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    There are a few factors. A simple, non-scientific one is that most people who are awake when they should be sleeping are snacking on something... trading sleep for calories. Lack of sleep leads to being tired during the day. Some people may choose sugary foods to get a "high", or caffeinated beverages (coffee alone isn't bad, it's what's added to it), or high calorie energy drinks.

    On a more scientific level, it messes with the endocrine system which releases hormones. When your body is out of whack, so are the hormones.

    In the bigger scheme of things, it's all about a healthy lifestyle. Those who get quality sleep are less stressed and tend to lead a more structured life.
  • discoburn
    discoburn Posts: 10 Member
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    Thank you for the link Jobe! It seems sleep deprivation slows metabolism then, that will explain a lot. It recommends 7.5 hours of sleep, and says that 5 hours is too little. I'd love a full, uninterrupted 7 hours of sleep right about now!

    I've found that using MFP and having short term and long term goals with regards to my fitness has helped me keep a sense of control, and I'm able to distract myself. :) I'm hoping my sleep pattern will just sort itself out, but it's interesting to see how it could be messing with my progress.
  • discoburn
    discoburn Posts: 10 Member
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    (Oops, accidental double post.)
  • rhodenizer
    rhodenizer Posts: 95 Member
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    Try meletona ( spelling) it is found naturally in turkey but it helps with sleep. My husband is finding although he does not sleep longer he sleeps better. Stress and sleep are factors in weight loss basically a well balanced lifestyle (food, exercise and sleep) is what is needed for good weight control. Try writing down all the things that are on your mind before you go to bed, I know that has helped me through difficult times. God never gives us more than we can handle, take a deep breath and one day at a time you will make it through.
  • MelissaSel
    MelissaSel Posts: 86 Member
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    Actually, tryptophan is what is found in turkey. Melatonin is most effective if taken around mid-day, rather than right before bed, as it takes awhile to cycle. I'm a sleep tech so I have studied these things.
  • rhodenizer
    rhodenizer Posts: 95 Member
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    Thanks Melissa, for the correction. I must tell my hubby to take the Melatonin earlier.
  • MelissaSel
    MelissaSel Posts: 86 Member
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    Your welcome. You would think the distributors would label their packaging accordingly, but I guess they are not sleep specialists, they are drug makers! lol

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