Sleep and weight loss – does sleep have an impact on your weight?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Sally-Anne Turner

We have all heard the term ‘beauty sleep’, but how much of it is true? Sleeping will reduce the bags under our eyes, improve our skin tone, and keep us looking fresh, but what can it do for our waistline?

Well, during sleep our bodies consume the weight we carry through the absorption of glucose cells - if this is interrupted, we can struggle to lose the extra weight. Yet one 2020 study found that  75%  of UK adults have trouble with their sleep.

Here at Bodyline Clinic, we will be exploring how we can use sleep to improve our physical wellness, be that our mental health, menopause, or weight management and find out whether sleep affects weight loss.

How does sleep affect weight loss?

The average person will sleep for a third of their life, but if you have problems sleeping, you could be at a  higher risk of obesity  or weight gain. Ensuring you have a solid 8 hours of sleep a night can therefore reduce this risk and keep you feeling healthy and looking fit.

Poor sleep can induce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression, and there is a very strong link between sleeping difficulties and  mental health . A regular sleeping schedule is important for your mind as well as your body.

Furthermore, interrupted or poor sleep will cause us to consume more  calorie dense  foods to replace the energy we’ve lost. That can lead to a calorie surplus, the primary cause for weight gain. It can also prevent you from getting enough exercise, as you’re too tired to expend the energy required to burn calories and be active.

If sleep deprivation impacts your risk of obesity, your calorie intake, and your ability to exercise, then it seems that sleep is the secret ingredient to weight loss, as it actually enables you to successfully lose the weight and keep it off.

That’s why we have put together ways for you to ensure a good night’s sleep every night of the week, ensuring you stay strong, fit, and happy.

• White noise machine If you are sensitive to noises, or find yourself feeling too anxious when it comes to bedtimes, you may benefit from immersing yourself in white noise. White noise can help to mitigate outside noises that may disturb your sleep. You can find apps and online videos to try out before investing in a white noise machine.
• Separate sleep and relaxation You need to have a separate sleep schedule that is independent from your other areas of life. Keep your bedroom for sleeping only; a relaxing sanctuary for the perfect night’s sleep. With a schedule that works for you, ensure you have a place dedicated to your sleep.
• Make use of our Hormone Replacement Therapy treatments If you’re going through the menopause, you may be struggling with your sleep due to a hormonal imbalance. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, can really impact the quality of a woman’s sleep. This can, in turn, lead to other health issues and weight gain. Luckily, Bodyline Clinic’s offer bespoke hormone replacement therapy. Find out more about how we can help you through the change today by calling 0800 995 3036 or filling in our online contact form for a call back.
• Limit consumption of caffeine In our busy world, drinking caffeine is part of everyday life - many people rely on it to help keep them going. But this overreliance on caffeine can have a negative effect on our sleeping habits, causing us to toss and turn if we overdo it. Try to reduce your caffeine intake, and see if that improves your sleep.
• Get help with your weight loss journey Sometimes, it can be a vicious cycle that prevents you from losing weight. That’s because when you suffer from obesity, you can experience sleep apnoea, which as a result can prevent you from losing weight. If you think this sounds like your experience, why not get some help along the way? Bodyline’s medical weight loss programmes are guaranteed to help you lose up to a stone in the first month. Combat the root cause of your sleep problems today by beginning a medical weight loss journey with Bodyline. Find out more by calling 0800 995 3036.
• Exercise daily If you’re looking to find out if sleep affects weight loss, this tip is solid proof that looking out for your sleep will aid in your weight loss too. Walking, swimming, or cycling, whatever the exercise it will help with your sleeping as it tires you out and leads your body craving the rest and recuperation of a good night’s sleep. Not only will you feel more refreshed, but you will also get fitter and healthier in the process!