Avoid Unnecessary Weight Gain With A Good Night’s Sleep

Published Thursday, November 21, 2024

Most people know that getting a good night's sleep is important. Quality sleep – and enough of it – is crucial to our physical health. It helps protect our mental and emotional health, boosts our immune system, improves our mood, and helps us maintain a healthy weight.

Conversely, when you're sleep-deprived, your body doesn't have the energy it needs to properly metabolize food, so you end up storing more fat. Sleep deprivation can also lead to increased cravings for high-sugar, high-calorie foods. And worst yet, a lack of sleep can increase your level of the stress hormone cortisol, which further promotes weight gain.

To bask in the plethora of health benefits provided by a good night’s rest while avoiding the potential of weight gain, adults are recommended to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep per night.