If you’ve been losing sleep at night worrying about why you can’t seem to lose weight, you may very well be sleeping with the enemy: bad bedtime habits.
Research shows that sleep plays an important role in weight management. People who get adequate sleep have lower BMI indexes than people who don’t. Findings also suggest that not getting enough sleep can cause weight gain.
“When you have poor sleep or lack of sleep, you’re setting a whole cascade of events in motion hormonally that could set you up for weight gain,” said John M. Jakicic, director of the Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh.
When hormones like serotonin, dopamine and melatonin are thrown out of balance, these can affect your sleep, mood and food cravings. Sleep tight and wake up light by correcting these common weight-gaining sleep habits.
1: Sleeping with lights on
Hopefully, you don’t still need a nightlight. Findings from a recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology show that exposure to even a small amount of light not only affects quality of sleep, but can also put on extra pounds. Cortisol, “the stress hormone,” has also been shown to be abnormally high when you’re exposed to light.
The fix: When it’s time for “lights out”, really make sure all the lights are out. Close the blinds, use dark drapes, turn your alarm clock away from your line of sight and put your cell phone and other electronics at least three feet away.
2: Keeping your bedroom too warm
People who always have to sleep with a window cracked or a fan on (no matter the season) might actually be on to something. The body naturally cools down while you sleep, releasing fat-burning hormones and repairing your skin, bones and muscles. Having your room too warm can disrupt this process.
The fix: Sleep in a cool room, preferably below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3: Eating right before bedtime
That very important cool-down process can also be disrupted by eating late-night meals and snacks.
The fix: Have your last meal no later than three hours before your bedtime.
READ: Does A Great Night’s Sleep Start In The Laundry Room?
4: Late night exercise
Regular exercise is extremely important for weight loss and maintenance, but high impact exercise – like cardio – raises your body temperature, prevents the release of hormones and makes it harder for you to fall asleep.
The fix: Skip late-night cardio and do light stretching, like yoga, instead.
5: Sleeping in clothes
Pajamas are cute and comfy, but if you want to sleep better, ditch them. Tight or form-fitting clothing, including underwear and bras, can raise your body temperature and have been shown to reduce the secretion of melatonin.
The fix: Sleep naked and under light blankets. If you absolutely must wear clothes, keep them loose and breathable.
6: Not getting enough sleep
Having a bedtime isn’t just for children. Every person’s body is different, but on average, sleep experts agree that seven to eights hours of sleep is ideal. A lack of sleep increases cortisol, hunger hormones and decreases growth hormone, serotonin and leptin – all increasing the risk of weight gain.
The fix: Try to get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night.
7: Staying up too late
Sometimes burning the midnight oil working is necessary, but don’t make it a habit if you’re trying to lose weight. The reason you’re not getting enough sleep (Bad Habit 6) may be because you’re going to bed too late. The later you stay up, the more likely you are to eat and snack, throwing off your metabolism. The early morning hours (starting at 2 a.m.) are also when cortisol naturally begins to increase.
The fix: Put yourself to bed by 11 p.m.