Ghrelin is secreted by our stomach and makes us want to eat. Leptin is secreted by fat tissue and signals the brain when we are full. On days when we haven’t slept enough, the leptin levels in our body start to drop and we no longer feel full after eating. While leptin drops, ghrelin levels increase. You start going to the refrigerator more often and you always feel like eating. After sleepless nights, because of the interaction of these two powerful hormones, it is difficult to avoid gaining weight.
According to research on people who sleep less than 8 hours, less leptin and more ghrelin are secreted and they have a higher level of body fat. The subjects who gained the most weight slept the least. The reason your waistline is getting thicker could be due to the hours you spend awake worrying about it instead of sleeping! To better understand the relationship between sleep and weight gain, notice how your reach less for sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods following a night of good sleep. These types of foods and snacks instantly answer your body’s cries for help after a sleepless night.
Natural tips for better sleep
Regular exercise: Exercising and moving regularly reduces sleep problems in people of all ages. Tai Chi, yoga, regular walking or whatever exercise makes you feel good will improve your quality of sleep. Make sure you exercise at least 3-4 hours before you go to bed in order to sleep well.
Melatonin: Also known as the sleep hormone, melatonin is secreted by the brain in people, animals and plants (plants have ‘body’ too) and plays a critical role in improving sleep disorders. If you are having problems sleeping, check with your doctor about taking melatonin.
Herbal teas: You can use herbal teas such as camellia, ginseng and passion flower to treat insomnia. Be sure they come from a reliable source and have no additives.
Acupuncture: If you are suffering insomnia you can get relief from these miraculous needles of Chinese medicine which will balance your flow of chi, or life energy. This therapy will heal your charkas which balance the workings of your body and spirit, and negative factors which influence your sleep will also have an opportunity to heal.
Relaxation and meditation: Tense muscles and thoughts may be preventing you from sleeping. Research shows that our body secretes more melatonin during meditation and yoga. To relax the muscles of your mind and body, try meditation and a relaxation technique that works for you, such as massage or biofeedback.
Important!
If you’ve slept less than 7 hours, feel tired throughout the day, because you’re tired feel hungry and crave sweets and carbohydrates, and don’t feel full even after eating properly following sleepless nights, there could be a strong link between your sleep habits and weight gain. However, even after getting a good night’s sleep, if you still feel tired you may be struggling with more serious sleep problems such as sleep apnea. For these types of illnesses, you should see your doctor. Sleep apnea prevents normal breathing while sleeping, and as with other causes for not getting enough rest, can be the reason for your growing waistline!
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