Sleep better to lose weight

If you’re losing sleep over weight loss, consider this: Not enough sleep can keep you from losing weight.

It’s true. Researchers at the University of Chicago have found that people who get only four hours of sleep every night have the same glucose and insulin levels as people with diabetes.

Thankfully, most of us get more than that.

But about one-third of Americans do not sleep the recommended seven to nine hours every night, according to new statistics released this week from the Centers for Disease Control.

So how does that affect our ability to lose weight?

Well, it turns out people tend to overeat if they’re tired. They seem to crave extra calories to make up for that lack of energy.

And it’s not hard to drive past the gym and head straight home from work when you’re so tired that all you want to do is curl up on the couch.

To get better sleep at night, experts recommend your fitness workouts end no less than three hours before you go to bed. Your body needs time to cool down to make it easier to fall asleep.

Avoid drinking caffeine late in the day and drinking alcohol. Alcohol might make you initially sleepy but it interferes with getting deep sleep. Smoking can also affect the quality of sleep you get at night.

Turn off the TV and all other sources of light that trick your body into thinking it’s still daytime.

Lastly, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This helps set your body into a natural sleep pattern. If you find trouble sleeping from snoring or waking up repeatedly, consult a sleep specialist. Sleep disorders can be treated.

There’s more to losing weight than just eating right and getting enough exercise.

Alice Warchol is a fitness instructor and freelance health writer.