Sleep is the most underrated fat loss tool, no one seems to mention it enough. 😴😴😴
Many studies have found that people who are sleep-deprived report having an increased appetite. This is caused by the impact of sleep on two important hunger hormones.
1️. Ghrelin is a hormone released in the stomach that signals hunger in the brain. Levels are high before you eat, which is when the stomach is empty, and low after you eat.
2️. Leptin is a hormone released from fat cells. It suppresses hunger and signals fullness in the brain.
Even if you are eating a healthy and sensible calorie controlled diet, a lack of sleep can result in difficulty sticking to the diet. This is because the body is not getting enough adequate sleep therefore producing more ghrelin and less leptin, leaving you hungry and increasing your appetite.
Research has shown those that got the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep had on average over 50% more weight loss than those that got 6-7 hours or less of sleep.
During my years of coaching I have seen this numerous times. A lack of sleep was reflected in poorer food choices when viewing client food diaries and sleep trackers.