Sleep And Weight Loss

It is important to understand that your sleep will affect your weight. Let us discuss more about the relationship between these two issues. A lot of people are victims of chronic lack of sleep. I think each of us knows at least one person who sleeps too little.

In fact, there can be tons of reasons leading to this state – from working too hard or too much television. If we talk about life sport, it must be said that performance is not compatible with sleep deprivation.

Now, let us discuss the most serious consequence of chronic lack of sleep.

What Happens If You Do Not Have Enough Sleep

Impaired glucose tolerance – the lack of sleep can make central nervous system to become hyperactive.

And one effect is inhibition of pancreatic function and thus produces less insulin – it is the hormone needed for glucose to enter cells. Dr. Van Cuater of Ontario has conducted a study about sleep deprivation and its effects.

The study shows that after several days of sleep, a healthy young man with no risk factor can reach to develop tolerance impaired glucose, diabetes mellitus.

Possible link with obesity – during the first period of sleep at night, human growth hormone will be secreted. As we age, sleep time is reduced as more and more, and it draws on a decrease in GH secretion.

If young people are in lack of sleep, it can reduce the amount of GH secreted prematurely, thus accelerating the process of fat accumulation.

In addition, if one is associated reduction of testosterone, this process is even more pronounced, accompanied by weakness and muscle loss.

Increases “craving” of carbohydrates – this phenomenon can be explained if you understand that sleep deprivation can affect the production of leptin.

It is responsible for the sensation of fullness. It was found that a reduction in leptin levels entails an increasing need to consume foods rich in carbohydrates.

Weakening of the immune system – has been observed that people who suffer from chronic lack of sleep have fewer white blood cells and a reduced capacity to defend against infection.

It increases the risk of breast cancer – Richard Stevens, a University researcher affirms that is a direct link between breast cancer and cycles of hormone disrupted by lack of sleep and exposure to light (obviously artificial) during the night. Melatonin is a hormone secreted at night.

It may reduce the secretion of estrogen. However, a point you have to understand is that light can interfere with the release of melatonin, which cancels the effect on the secretion of estrogen, a hormone that increases breast cancer risk in certain conditions.

It increases the risk of atherosclerosis – sleep deprivation leads to a significant increase in the level of cortisol. In combination with other factors, this can possibly result in the acceleration of atherosclerosis. In addition, high levels of cortisol predispose to reduced muscle mass, fat accumulation, osteoporosis, depression, hypertension and insulin resistance.

So, be sure to have enough sleep in order to keep yourself slim. In fact, you will also take some supplements so that you can maintain your weight a lot easier.