Insomnia and weight loss

Anyone know what the effects are on weight loss when you're suffering from insomnia?  I've struggled with insomnia since I was a kid, but had it fairly under control until the last week and a half.  I'm averaging two hours of sleep at the most, usually less than that.  I'm not sure whether I should up my calories a bit to compensate for the lack of rest or what.

Anyone with experience on this topic, information is greatly appreciated!

That's a pretty significant change in sleep habits.

As you've had insomnia since you were a kid, have you ever gone to a sleep disorder clinic to be assessed? Many teens develop sleep disorders due to underlying anxiety disorders, however if it started in childhood then it could have a physiological source.

Generally the range of normal sleep for adults is 5 to 10 hours -- that means that some will need 10, others will need 5 -- but not that we can change what our inherent biological set point is as individuals.

So if you have had it "fairly under control" at 5 to 6 hours, then that may not be classified as insomnia for you (you need to be checked out to confirm this of course).

However, two hours' sleep negatively impacts all biological functions for any body.

As you've been getting by on two hours max for almost two weeks now, it's really time to visit the doctor. If you think you know what the trigger was (as it has come on abruptly) then be sure to mention that to the doctor as well.

Best of luck.

I've been assessed before, and went to a doctor last week who prescribed me medication (which I will be taking once I have the money to actually pay for the prescription).  When I was younger, I was told that my sleeping issues were brought up due to my PTSD, but most of the treatments they'd try wouldn't help much, if at all.

I'm just mainly curious about how this would effect my weight loss efforts, seeing that my doctor just kind of shrugged it off.  I don't want to negatively impact myself, which is one of the reasons I haven't been to the gym lately.  Fear of causing my body further damage by running it down just has me a bit worried. :)

I am sorry to hear about PTSD -- it's a condition that needs early psychological intervention for decent outcomes and obviously it developed sometime ago now.

So, to answer your question on weight loss -- exercising not too late in the day should actually help with some of the sleep issues. If your schedule can allow for lunch/early afternoon workout that would be best.

Our immune systems are temporarily compromised by aerobic workouts. Which is fine for most of us and our bodies are naturally built to benefit from it.

However, our T-cell counts actually increase both during and after walking. This means, that if you are a bit concerned you are more prone to catching colds and flus due to your sleep disorder, then a walking regimen in the mid-day/early afternoon time frame will keep your immune system as capable as it can be under the circumstances.

As you are unable to fill the prescription yet, then probably ease up on the calorie restriction but maintain moderate exercise if you can.

If you can think of anything that changed two weeks ago that may be the trigger for kicking your sleep disorder into high gear, that might also give you something to go on for trying to alleviate the source as well.

You may want to also take another kick at the can with a counselor or psychologist as you are older now. Probably not in the budget at this point, but something to consider. When we're adults we can make decisions on whether we feel we are getting any value from treatment and that can really change the outcomes as well.

Best of luck!

That was actually one of my main concerns was whether or not it would be OK (or at least smart) to exercise when I'm not sleeping, and I haven't since last week partially because of this.  I'm going to keep it up though, and hope that it'll maybe even help!  Plus, I go after work (my gym and home aren't close, or else I'd go during lunch), so it sounds like I've got a decent time picked already.

I've gotten help from a psychiatrist for most of my life, including my adulthood, mostly because of anxiety issues though.  I plan on going back once I get insurance again, and once I pay her the money I already owe her. :)

Thank you for your advice, it is very appreciated!

I have always had sleep issues too and I am sorry you are going through this. For me, anxiety was an important factor as I struggled through adolescence and early adulthood, but recently I found cognitive behavioral therapy extremely useful. Also, setting up good sleep hygiene- regular sleep and wake times, not lying in bed and agonizing about sleeping, eating at least a couple of hours before bed, exercising at least a couple of hours before bed, no TV or computer, maybe some mindless shopping catalogues or novels just before bed, a warm bath and a glass of milk- all of these help.

Meditation, yoga and breathing exercises are also useful in calming the mind.

About how insomnia affects weight loss efforts- when I have a bad spell, I tend to eat more- apparently thats because insomnia affects your appetite control center in the brain.

I avoid exercising too much when I am having a bad spell, but do some exercise by all means. I avoid using the gym machines when I am sleep deprived because my balance and muscular co-ordination are affected by lack of sleep so I am afraid of injuring myself. But treadmill, elliptical, walking and yoga are all great. Dont overtire yourself because that can worsen the insomnia.