A Good Night's Sleep = The Solution to Obesity?

So we all know the old standard solutions to weight loss: eat less, exercise more.

Easy, right? Hardly. We are STRESSED OUT. We want that candy bar now and we do not have time to jump on the treadmill.

What if there were a way to have less cravings (without drugs!), to have the energy for your workout, AND to be at peak performance at work. Would you try it?

I'm guessing you said yes. Well, it's been here all along. It's called sleeping. According to Fitness Magazine, the amount of sleep Americans get has been steadily declining over the past century - at which time we averaged 9-10 hours per night. Now we average 6 hours 40 minutes on weeknights. At the same time, we have been getting fat. How come? When we are tired, our bodies tell us to eat more for energy, through a hormone called ghrelin. The hormone that tells us to stop eating, leptin, gets lazy (hey, it's tired). So there's the food connection.

Here's the exercise connection: When we're tired, our bodies convert fuel more slowly, so our muscles aren't receiving the energy they need to keep us moving. And you know the drill, one unpleasant workout and you just don't feel like trying again tomorrow.

What about at work? According to Forbes.com, sleep-deprived workers can be less efficient because they tend to overthink things.

Ready to sleep more? Here are some ways to get better rest, from Fitness Magazine. Try eating small meals every few hours throughout the day to maintain your hormone balance. Don't have spicy unusual foods at night that will keep you up. Starchy carbohydrates are good at night, and chamomile tea has a calming effect on the body.

Do something good for yourself! If that's not enough incentive then do it for your waistline, or your grandkids, or your boss. Sweet dreams!