Sleeping Beauty

We're right in the middle of Sleep Awareness Week! (It's a legit event on the calendar!) Did you yawn after looking at this picture of Sleepy the Dwarf? I did!

If you can't seem to get rid of weight around your mid-section, you might be surprised that it could be linked to lack of sleep. When we're sleep deprived, our bodies detect that as a form of stress, which in turn makes us produce cortisol (the stress hormone), which is linked to an increase in visceral fat. Not getting enough Zzz's also impacts our hunger hormones.If you're up later, you likely want to eat later. The more hours you're awake, the longer your body needs to fuel itself. And, being tired makes it more likely that decision-making is impacted, which also has an effect on the foods you'll choose. 

For the next week (including the weekend), I challenge you to get to bed and wake up at the same time. No saying "1 more episode! Or, 1 more chapter. Or, 5 more minutes of scrolling!" before hitting the pillow. 

Determine the time that you want to get to sleep in order to get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep, then, set an alarm, or use an app (I LOVE Bedtime) that will set off an alarm 30 minutes prior to the time you need to get to sleep. Use that half hour to get ready for bed and wind down. 

The average adult doesn't fall asleep until 15 minutes after lights out. 

Try it for a week and notice what difference it makes in your overall energy levels, your cravings, and if you keep it up, your waistline! 

Read the rest of my March 7th Well-Being Wednesday newsletter here! 
In it, you'll find:

My free 7-day food and activity journal to observe when you eat