When we talk about living a healthy lifestyle, most of the time we focus on the food we eat and the exercise we put in at the gym. Of course, these things are really important for anyone looking to lose weight. But there are other components of living well that many people don’t think too much about, like getting enough sleep every night. In fact, a good night’s sleep may be more fundamental to your weight loss efforts than diet or exercise. Here’s what happens when you don’t get enough shut-eye every night.

Effect on the Brain

There’s a profound effect on the brain when you don’t get enough sleep. Activity in the frontal lobe, the part of the brain that controls decision-making and impulse control, is dulled in a similar way as it is when you’re drunk. Also, the reward centers in your brain see increased activity, making it really hard to say no to dessert!

This can have extraordinary repercussions on your weight loss efforts. For instance, you wake up feeling groggy, and not at all feeling like you want to go to the gym in the morning. And you decide on the large size latte at your local coffee shop because you feel like you won’t function without it.

Effect on the Body

It is often said that sleep is nutrition for the brain, but it can also have a huge impact on your body as well. Not getting enough every night causes levels of two hormones, ghrelin and leptin, to fluctuate abnormally. The production of ghrelin, the hormone that tells your brain that you’re hungry, goes up when you don’t get enough sleep. And the production of leptin, which tells your brain that you’re full, goes down. You can see how this combination can have devastating effects on your weight loss efforts.

Tips for Getting Enough Sleep Every Night

Getting enough sleep every night can be really difficult in our day and age, especially with the plethora of stresses. There are, however, a few basic pointers we can give to help.

• Shut down all devices about an hour before going to bed. TV, cell phone, laptop… light emanating from these screens can tell your brain it’s still time to be awake.
• Create a schedule and stick to it. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Watch what you’re consuming. Caffeine can stay in your system for 5-6 hours, and alcohol can make it hard to get restful sleep.

Contact Pria Wellness Center for Lasting Weight Loss Results

For a weight loss solution with real, long-lasting results, contact Pria Wellness Center. We will comprehensively assess your current physical condition and make recommendations based on your body’s unique needs. Dr. Fernandez is board certified in obesity medicine and weight management, so you can trust that you are being taken care of by a qualified specialist. And we take a holistic approach to weight loss, working with dieticians, psychologists, personal trainers, and physicians to ensure that all of your needs are met and you keep the weight off for good. What do you have to lose except extra weight? Schedule a consultation online by clicking here, or contact the office at (410) 565-6552.