All of us can relate to the hunger late nights can bring. Whether it’s the report due to your boss by the morning, the big chemistry final you’ve been cramming for, or all 8 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix, we tend to not be getting the optimal amount of sleep. Studies show that when subjects sleep seven to eight hours a night, they ate about 300 calories less than those who only sleep about four hours.
Think about it: whenever we’re really tired we tend to want to raid the cabinets, pantries, and refrigerators for anything and everything. Sleeping for 7.5 hours a night can reduce the stress hormone cortisol which has been identified as a key component in obesity and it also increases the body’s ability to burn calories.
Here are some simple tips to get a back to snoozing and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
1. Unplug Yourself- Those who shut down their phones, TV, and laptops at least an hour before bedtime have been shown to get a better night’s rest. Resist the urge to check Twitter or your email before bed- your waistline will thank you in the morning.
2. Accessorize- Invest in soft lighting for your bedroom so that your body can adjust from the brightness of the day. Also try using an eye mask; you will sleep better in the complete darkness and wake up feeling more refreshed. If noise is an issue for you, a white noise machine can help drown out the city outside.
3. De-Stress- Relaxing with a good book, a warm cup of herbal tea, soft music and even yoga can do wonders for your daily life as well as your nightlife. Designate at least 15 minutes in which you can get some alone time and unwind from a hectic day- you’ll feel less stressed and ready to get a good night’s sleep.
4. Snack Mindfully- If pangs of hunger are keeping you up, try having a snack filled with casein protein. Casein, a slow digesting protein, will release amino acid into your blood stream while you sleep and help repair muscle damage. Sprinkle some cinnamon into casein filled Greek protein and feel satisfied without the bloat!
So the next time you’re burning the midnight oil, be aware that your body may be working against you. Let your body rest so that you can burn those calories and stay slim!
Assistance by Faith Doan
