By Lisa Lillian

Sleep: Many of us know we need more of it, but we don’t make it a priority. We’d rather stay out that extra hour, watch one more episode, or get more done before calling it a night. But if weight loss is important to you, add a good night’s sleep to your to-do list!

Why Is Sleep So Important for Weight Loss?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 1 in 3 adults are sleep deprived. On average, we need at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Are you getting yours? If not, you could be putting your health in danger.

There are the obvious reasons why sleep deprivation could prevent weight loss. You’re less likely to hit the gym if you’re tired, and late nights often lead to more eating and poor food choices. But there’s an actual biological reason too. Less sleep leaves you physically hungrier. This is because of two hormones: ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin signals hunger, and leptin stops it. But studies show that when you’re sleep deprived, you produce more ghrelin and less leptin. And when this happens, your body can’t properly use insulin. Excess insulin = extra fat storage.

Need proof? Countless studies have shown the correlation between obesity and a lack of sleep. For example, a study out of Harvard shows that women who slept 5 hours or less per night had a 15 percent higher risk of becoming obese then the test subjects who slept 7 hours a night.

So, don’t sabotage your weight-loss efforts by skimping on sleep!
We’ve all blamed turkey for our exhaustion after a big Thanksgiving meal. Turkey has that reputation because it contains the amino acid Tryptophan, which is known to cause drowsiness. And you’ll become even more drowsy when you pair that turkey with carbs, because they’re also known to make you sleepy. Try making meatloaf minis with turkey and oats to get yourself into that sleepy state-of-mind. Other foods that contain tryptophan include shrimp, chia seeds, and eggs.

Exercise
I know; you’re too tired! But the cycle has to be broken. Exercising will actually help you sleep more soundly at the end of the day. Pick whichever time of day works best for you, but it’s usually best to avoid a vigorous workout right before bedtime. If you’re not the gym type, do some housewalking! Or squeeze in some calorie burning right in your kitchen.

Establish a Wind-Down Routine
Become a creature of habit—this way, your body will recognize when it’s time to go to sleep! Maybe sip a cup of tea or take a warm bath—both will raise your body temperature and then bring it down, signaling to your body that it’s time to hit the hay. Spray lavender scent in your bedroom—it’s been shown to induce sleep. And power down your devices! Our brains are stimulated by the bright lights of our iPads, iPhones, iPods, and I-need-to-watch-one-more-episode agendas.
Don’t Eat a Heavy Meal Close to Bedtime
You don’t want your body working overtime to digest your meal when you lie down. This could lead to discomfort, making it harder for you to doze off.

A Homemade Belly Burner
Just like with exercise, avoid eating a big meal two to three hours before you go to sleep. If you have one of those days (we all do) and find yourself starving right before you want to go to sleep, eat something light. I’d suggest one of these 6 smart late-night snacks.

Nighty night!