Sleep More to Lose Weight

Looking to lose weight? You may be happy to learn that the key is to get more ZZZs. Dr. Michael Breus, clinical psychologist and specialist in sleep disorders, says there is a strong correlation between sleep and weight loss. 

In a 12-month study of 1900 adults, participants who got seven to nine hours of sleep a night and maintained a regular sleep schedule lost more weight than those who got less than six hours a night and had irregular sleep habits.  

Need more motivation to get more sleep? Consistent quantity and quality of sleep can help achieve a healthy gut, says Dr. Breus. A healthy gut is important as it houses the human microbiome that acts as our second nervous system. Our microbiome profoundly affects our physical and mental health. Melatonin and other sleep hormones critical to the sleep-wake cycle are produced in the gut. Immune cells in the microbiome not only keep our gut healthy and strong, but our immune system functioning at its best.  

So, what are you waiting for?  Get more sleep!