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