Sleep is not only great for slimming down, but improves immune function and has loads of anti-aging benefits…. Could catching a few extra “Zzz’s” during bedtime actually assist in achieving a slimmer figure? Recent research conducted at the University of Tubingen has demonstrated that there are many benefits to getting more sleep per night. They have discovered that sleep deprivation can potentially increase food cravings and decrease the body’s natural ‘fat-burning’ abilities. Not only that, they also discovered that people who slept less had shown decreased muscle mass.
With the growing number of weight-loss programs available, it may be beneficial for a person wishing to lose weight to practice a regular sleep schedule. This research is very important, especially to people who may be suffering with obesity and sleep disorders. Correcting sleep issues may assist in reducing excess weight naturally, in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet, of course.
There are many ways to integrate better sleeping patterns into your life. Here are our TOP 10 tips to getting better sleep which may in turn help you slim down for summer.
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Nap Smart
The easiest way to integrate more sleep into your day is to nap more. However, avoid excessively long naps that can interfere with your regular sleep schedule. For some, naps may seem impossible. However, there are many creative ways to take a nap. Read more about how to properly “Power Nap” like a pro.
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Eat Smart
Adapting a healthy diet will surely improve sleep cycles. Crash diets can cause many health issues, including sleep cycle disruption and of course, weight gain. Eating whole foods, at regular times, with sufficient calories (don’t starve) will decrease the chances of insomnia or restless sleep patterns.
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Set A Schedule
Approach your sleep patterns like a work schedule. Show up to bed on time every day, and wake up at the same time every day. The human body responds well to regular schedules and will adapt accordingly. If it seems impossible to do; remind yourself of the great benefits of getting more sleep such as achieving a youthful glow, increased immune function, increase life expectancy and of course potential for weight-loss / increased health.
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Exercise Regularly
With so many people (in the first world) spending most of their lives in the ‘sitting’ position at work, in the car and at home in front of the T.V., its no wonder why our bodies deny sleep. Human history shows that the body was meant to be physically challenged. Incorporating regular exercise and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle will increase the chances of getting tired in the evening.
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Get Happy
Although we are at #5 on our list of “Top 10 Tips to Sleep More”, increasing happiness is very important when trying to gain restful and rejuvenating sleep patterns on a regular basis. Depression can lead to over tiredness, and boredom can create patterns of insomnia. Having the right amount of excitement will surely regulate healthy and happy sleep.
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Avoid Over Stimulation
Getting happy is great, but sometimes over excitement can cause sleep disturbances. When life is ‘too on the go’ it is hard to unwind from an ‘overstimulated day’. Not only will an excessively busy day interfere with sleep cycles, but the overuse of LED light devices at night such as computers, mobile phones etc. have been scientifically proven to over stimulate the eyes. Click here to read an article that discusses how using mobile phones and tablets before bed can affect sleep.
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Meditate More
This might be a no brainer (no pun), but meditating more helps to calm the mind and improves sleep. Check out our fit body article “How to Meditate”. There are so many benefits to meditating regularly. If you haven’t already tried but you suffer from poor sleep patterns, this could be a great solution for you.
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Get Flexible (Literally)
Yoga and other flexibility exercises help elongate tense muscles, reducing pain and strain on the body. Pain is a huge cause of disturbed sleep cycles. Decreasing pain will naturally increase the amount of ‘sound’ sleep time. Here is an amazing youtube video that can help you enjoy more time under the covers;
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Keep Busy
The best way to stay up all night is to keep boredom around all day. However, if sleep is what you seek, establishing enough activities to keep your brain and body active, all the while feeling alive, will surely encourage a good nights rest.
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Avoid Stress
Although it is a good idea to “keep busy”, being too busy can have adverse effects. Stress is often the cause of so many ailments, including disrupted sleep patterns. There is a fine balance between keeping an active lifestyle and avoiding a ‘stressed out’ experience. Incorporating many of the previous ideas such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, meditating often can lead to a harmonious and healthy way of life.
Over all, getting more sleep must be accompanied with a deep desire to improve one’s current sleep patterns. If the intention is present, but the desire is absent, it will be a very difficult process to alter. However, if achieving a life long path of health and happiness is in your future, FitBodyHQ.com suggests getting enough rest to help manifest any of your deepest and most imaginative dreams.
Happy snoozing all!
Kaeli has always had an infatuation with keeping fit and improving life. Whether it is strength training, endurance building, or self-study research, she has devoted endless hours to them all. Her interest in health started at an early age. From swim competitions to long distance running, she discovered that keeping fit is an integral part of her life. After being diagnosed with... Read More
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