| Is it possible to loose weight overnight? A | | | | sleep causes leptin level to drop and in turn |
| four-year study carried out by researchers at | | | | the ghrelin levels will rise. This is why we |
| the University of Wisconsin point outs that | | | | often feel hungrier when our body is not |
| this is indeed possible. They found that | | | | having sufficient sleep. Lack of sleep also |
| those who sleep seven to nine hours nightly | | | | drains our energy, which can result in eating |
| are less likely to be obese than those who | | | | more and being less active throughout the |
| only have between two and four hours sleep a | | | | day. |
| night. As a matter of fact those only having | | | | |
| two to four hours a night were seventy three | | | | While there is no hard and fast ruling as to |
| percent more likely to be obese. They found | | | | the number of hours which we should sleep |
| that these percentages lessened significantly | | | | each night, it is recommended by the experts |
| in proportion, if the hours spent sleeping | | | | that we should have between eight and ten |
| were greater than before. Overweight and | | | | hours. This may not seem easy at first but by |
| obesity is a problem for millions of | | | | making some small changes in the daily |
| Americans. This research indicates that | | | | routine it should be possible to make time |
| getting more sleep is an important step in | | | | for some extra sleep. The first step is to |
| sustaining a healthy body weight. | | | | decide what time you will retire to bed each |
| | | | night. In step two setting aside half an hour |
| The National Sleep Foundation carried out a | | | | before hand, for washing face, brushing teeth |
| "Sleep In America" poll in 2005. The findings | | | | and other preparations so that you are ready |
| were that adults in America sleep less than | | | | for sleep. Avoid watching television once in |
| seven and hours a night at weekends and just | | | | bed although reading a book or magazine may |
| over six and half hours per night throughout | | | | help. |
| the week. When averaging the overall time | | | | |
| spent sleeping over the whole week, adults | | | | To minimize hormone levels (which may effect |
| reported an average of only just under seven | | | | your ability to fall asleep) exercising |
| hours a night These results show that the | | | | should be avoided for at least two to three |
| majority of adults get less than eight hours | | | | hours before going to bed. Stimulants such as |
| sleep each night. This may have a knock on | | | | tea, coffee, nicotine, cola, chocolate and |
| effect as to how much each individual weighs. | | | | anything containing caffeine should not be |
| | | | taken for at least four hours before going to |
| The above research found specifically, that | | | | sleep. |
| it had to do with the hormones ghrelin and | | | | |
| leptin. The fat cells release leptin to show | | | | If you have problems sleeping there are many |
| the level of fat reserves accessible to the | | | | superior nutritional supplements, which |
| body. We feel full and satisfied when leptin | | | | contain natural ingredients, combined with |
| levels are high. The opposite effect occurs | | | | vitamins, mineral and herbs, which aid sleep |
| when the leptin levels are low. When we are | | | | without any harsh side effects. It is always |
| hungry the stomach releases ghrelin, the | | | | best to check with your physician before |
| higher the ghrelin levels the hungrier we | | | | commencing any supplement regime. |
| feel and are inclined to overeat. Lack of | | | | |