Healthy Adequate Sleep Contribute To Weight Loss Programs

A very important process for the human body is sleep. During sleep, the body builds up its organs and tissues. It also prioritizes the growth and rejuvenation of the internal systems such as the immune system, nervous system, skeletal system, and the muscular system.

It is analogous to having the body shut down for maintenance and overhaul.

The body follows an internal clock to know when the appropriate time for the body to go to sleep. This is called the Circadian Rhythm. This internal schedule covers all regular biological process covered in a 24 hour cycle. Eating, sleeping, and other process follow this rhythm. As such, a disruption in the circadian rhythm is an important factor in some disorders such as stress, obesity, and overall well being of the body.

Research has shown that healthy dream sleep relieves stress, lowers confusion and delay cognitive disturbances. A new study shows that healthy dream sleep can contribute to weight loss as well.

Adequate sleep helps weight loss

Adequate sleep is an important part of a weight loss plan and should be added to the recommended mix of diet and exercise, states a commentary in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Although calorie restriction and increased physical activity are recommended for weight loss, there is significant evidence that inadequate sleep is contributing to obesity. Lack of sleep increases the stimulus to consume more food and increases appetite-regulating hormones.

Video: Work Shift Cycles Affect Sleep and is an Obesity and Diabetes Risk

"The solution [to weight loss] is not as simple as 'eat less, move more, sleep more,'" writes Dr. Jean-Phillippe Chaput of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario and Dr. Angelo Tremblay of Laval University, Québec, Quebec. "However, an accumulating body of evidence suggests that sleeping habits should not be overlooked when prescribing a weight-reduction program to a patient with obesity. Sleep should be included as part of the lifestyle package that traditionally has focused on diet and physical activity."

The authors recently published research found that total sleep time and quality of sleep predicted the loss of fat in people enrolled in a weight loss program.

The Canadian Obesity Network has included adequate sleep in its new set of obesity management tools for physicians.

Quantum Day

18 September 2012

Healthy Adequate Sleep Contribute To Weight Loss Programs