Sweet Dreams

A girlfriend and I went out for a drink last weekend and she looked amazing; she was peppy and bright and the color in her cheeks was lovely. I commented on her glowing appearance and inquired what might be the reason.

“I slept and ate ice cream for a week and I feel great, the definition in my arms is better and I have lost weight.”

I know, I know, calm down ladies. I mean who does she think she is eating ice cream and sleeping and losing weight? Why the absolute cheek of her, right?

Wrong. Without sleep we will never achieve the results we want.

When we are emotionally or physically stressed our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. When we haven’t slept this hormone is released in double. Cortisol will make us feel hungry even if we are full so that means sleepy people may eat more.

The more sleep you lose the more “deep” sleep you lose. The deep part of our sleep is what restores our energy levels and increases our growth hormone levels. Without this growth hormone our bodies reduce their ability to lose fat and gain muscle.

A lack of sleep can also lead to a slower metabolism. That statement alone makes me want to crawl back into Bedforshire. If our bodies are not getting enough sleep they will begin to have trouble metabolizing sugars, which leads to a higher storage of fat and increased insulin levels.

Lastly, sleep as we all know gives us energy, the less energy you have the less you are going to accomplish and the fewer calories you are going to burn. Without sleep, weight loss and muscle gain are much, much harder. Plus, as mentioned above, it makes your eyes clear and your skin glow and it’s FREE!

The body needs about 7-9 hours of sleep a night but some rare folks only need about 5. If you feel drowsy during the day then you are probably not getting enough sleep.

I know it is difficult in our busy and hectic lives to get enough sleep but as mentioned above, it is necessary. Stop thinking about the endless and overwhelming things you have to do. They will be there in the morning, and your increased energy level will make them easier to accomplish. Trust me.

Put the book down, turn off the T.V., clear your mind of the days stresses and think about something that makes you smile. Now close your eyes, sink into your pillow and have the sweetest dreamings.

Be Good to your Body, it’s where you Live