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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
Are you struggling to lose weight despite eating clean and working out? Your sleep habits might be silently holding you back. Let’s break it down.
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When you sleep less, your body produces more ghrelin (hunger hormone) and less leptin (fullness hormone), leading to increased cravings and overeating.
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Lack of sleep can increase your brain’s reward response, making you crave sugary and fatty foods. More cravings lead to more calories, which leads to weight gain.
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Sleep deprivation impacts insulin sensitivity, slowing your metabolism the next day. Your body struggles to convert food into energy efficiently, promoting fat storage.
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Less sleep = more waking hours = more chances to reach for midnight snacks. This throws off your calorie balance and digestion.
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Poor sleep increases cortisol, the stress hormone and high cortisol levels are linked to belly fat and insulin resistance.
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When you’re tired, you’re less likely to move; this affects workout consistency and reduces daily calorie burn.
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Muscle repair happens during deep sleep as less sleep leads to slower recovery, less fat-burning, and reduced lean muscle growth.
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Stick to a consistent bedtime, avoid screens late at night, and create a calming night routine as sleep hygiene is just as important as your diet plan.
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Weight loss isn’t just about food and workouts. Deep, restful sleep keeps your hormones, cravings, and metabolism in check. Prioritize it, and your body will thank you.
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