How important is sleep for weight loss?

Not getting enough sleep can cause people to gain weight and increase the risk of diabetes, according to a new study. Although it is widely believed the main function of sleep is to rest the brain, even fat cells need sleep to function efficiently. Sleep deprivation not only impairs the brains functioning, producing a lack of alertness and ability to think, it can mean piling on the pounds leading to health problems such as diabetes. Researchers at the University of Chicago found that dieters who were well rested lost more fat—56% of their weight loss—than those who were sleep deprived, who lost more muscle mass. (They shed similar amounts of total weight regardless of sleep). Dieters in the study also felt more hungry when they got less sleep. “Sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same sectors of the brain,” Dr. Rapoport says. “When you are sleepy, certain hormones go up in your blood, and those same hormones drive appetite.”

Top foods to help you sleep:

• Warm Milk
• Camomile Tea
• Bananas
• Cherries

What to avoid:

Try to avoid eating foods with a high fat content such as fast food because it causes heartburn as fat stimulates the production of acid in the body. Also, try to avoid foods that have a high salt content such as certain ready meals or take-aways as they will leave you feeling thirsty and dehydrated in the night. Caffeine, such as coffee and fizzy drinks, are key to avoid before sleep.