Fat loss takes time and can be a waiting game that requires dedication, hard work and especially rest. When you are trying to lose weight, the amount of sleep that you are getting every night can be as important as your exercise and diet. However, most adults aren’t getting the sleep they need! Lack of sleep could end up being the one thing holding you back from losing the weight once and for all.

There are many reasons why sleep is beneficial to a person who wants to drop weight and having a healthier lifestyle.

1. Lack of sleep can mean an increase in your appetite. This is because not getting rest can have a negative effect on hormones that control your hunger. Gherlin, the hunger hormone, is controlled by the amount of leptin in your brain. When your leptin is low and your ghrelin is high you will end up hungry the next day.

2. Poor sleep can mean a higher caloric intake. This increase may be due to an increased appetite due to hormonal shifts mentioned above.  However, it can also be due to the fact that when you’re awake, you are more likely to eat. Late night snackers beware! It could be better to get to bed earlier in the night to avoid snacking.

3. Poor sleep can also have an adverse effect on your resting metabolism. Your resting metabolic rate (RMR) involves the calories that your body burns when you are at rest. Getting too little sleep can mean that your RMR is affected and lowered. When it comes to weight loss, sleep is just as important as water intake, calorie consumption, and heart-healthy exercise. Choosing to get to bed earlier or taking steps to get better sleep can be the final piece in the puzzle of weight and fat loss.