Want to lose weight? Keep dreaming!
No, really.
Recent studies have been linking Americans who get more sleep to losing weight more weight or are at least less likely to become obese.
Results of a University of Chicago study found that cutting back on sleep limits the effects of dieting, so much so that dieters who got a good night’s sleep doubled the amount of weight loss!
A study at Columbia University studied the habits of over 18,000 people and found that those who get by on less than four hours of sleep at night were 73% more likely to be obese than people sleeping seven to nine hours!
Why? When running on little sleep, the body reacts the same as if running on little food and triggers hunger, which leads to over eating. These hormonal changes also seem to signal the body to slow down the metabolism and store more fat.
While more studies need to be done to confirm these reports, we’ve heard enough and it makes sense to us.
It’s also a no-brainer that the more tired you are, the less likely you are to go for that afternoon jog or hit up the gym after work.
If you’re trying to lose weight, it might be a good idea to consider skipping the late night talk shows and hitting the sack instead.
Sorry, Conan!
[Image via AP Images.]
