Sleep and Weight Loss

I have been having very erractic sleeping patters lately, and I was wondering how it all ties in to weight loss. I know you are supposed to get 6-8 hours of sleep, but lately I haven't been able to go beyond four, and that is with waking up repeatedly. When I get home from work, I am exhausted and instantly fall asleep for as much as three hours, then when I wake up cannot fall back asleep until around 2 am. When I weigh myself, I can be anywhere from losing 1 pound, to suddenly gaining five in one day. I guess my question is, since I have screwed up my sleeping schedule by a lot, is it something that is irreversible when connected to weight loss?

My guess is that since your schedule isn't consistent your weight (when you measure it) won't be consistent either.  You might want to hold off and weigh only once a week until your schedule is back on track.

PS. Plenty of sleep is ideal for weight loss.

A recent study of americans showed that those people that regularly got less the 6 hours of sleep and those that regularly got more than 9 hours of sleep had a higher obesity rate that those that regularly got between 6 and 9 hours of sleep.  Getting the right amount of sleep is important but I don't think it has a big effect on weightloss.

I've ALWAYS had trouble sleeping.  I have a very active mind, too many projects, and not enough time.  If I don't get a good workout in at least every other day I stop sleeping well.  I know that doesn't exactly answer your question, but what are you doing for exercise?  It made a huge difference for me to get regular exercise.

Yes, the amount of sleep you get i hear is important for weight loss.  I also have heard if you don't sleep much at night you are at higher risk for certain diseases like type 2 diabetes. 


Clarice

Sleep is important for weight loss.  However, there are several things to remember when dealing with duration of sleep:

1)The older you get, the less sleep your body requires.

2)If you have been exercising regularly, your sleep becomes more "productive".  You might find yourself not being tired from less sleep than usual.  As the quality of sleep increases, the quantity may decrease.

However, if you are feeling tired throughout the day, your metabolism probably is not operating at its peak.

Perhaps you should try getting a vigorous workout some time between dinner and bedtime and see if you can exhaust yourself into getting 6+ hours of sleep.

Original Post by trhawley:

A recent study of americans showed that those people that regularly got less the 6 hours of sleep and those that regularly got more than 9 hours of sleep had a higher obesity rate that those that regularly got between 6 and 9 hours of sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep is important but I don't think it has a big effect on weightloss.

That proves about diddly.

Either they dont sleep in which case they eat more.

or

They sleep too much cuss they are a lazy sloth.

I have this problem almost everyday. I usually get 3-4 hrs of sleep and then there is a napping period through out the day that is broke up in to about 3 half hrs. (1 1/2 hr) I work nights and I have 3 children. I do most of my work outs in the morn and that is what keeps me out for a while and I catch up on weekends. Try to fit it in whenever it's possible.

I eat more if I don't sleep especially sugars. I think I've read when you don't get sleep your body is not able to restore itself which burns more calories. I've noticed on nights that I do sleep better my weight goes down more but I'm eating less if I sleep better.  Yoga fore relaxation can help you sleep. I would find some time to do it. it makes a big difference. You will learn how to breath and let go.

oh there is a pose called legs up the wall that helps with insomnia

Thank you everyone for your replies. I recently had a four day weekend, and was able to finally get my sleeping on track. Not perfect, but at least I could fall asleep for a few hours instead of waking up every hour.

Here is something strange, my scale says I am either a couple of pounds heavier or the same, but my pants are fitting better than ever. Is this part of the sleeping thing as well?

Sleeping enough isn't directly connected to weightloss, but rather to appetite. When you are overtired, your appetite skyrockets. That said, people obtaining less sleep or more disrupted sleep will have a higher appetite drive throughout the day, thus making it more likely for the them to overeat.

Thus less shut-eye, makes it more difficult to lose weight because of the dramatic appetite increase.