Sleepless Nights

Weight loss is a tricky subject. So many variables go into the equation, and if just one of these variables is not just right, the waistline is effected. Especially if that variable is sleep. Many of our clients work on adding more physical activity into their lives, or adjusting their diets, but often forget about the crucial role of sleep.

Sleep is more than just the time we spend in our beds when it's dark outside. Each stage of sleep is actually specific for processing information and healing our bodies. While sleeping, memories are stored and learning occurs. These pathways become the most active during specific sleep cycles. Lack of sleep leads to poor decision making, delayed response time, and mood imbalance. It is more difficult to make healthy choices and exercise with a lack of sleep. Also, emotions run high when sleep runs low, and emotional triggers tend to equate to poor food choices and overeating.

When sleep is not a restorative process, our bodies produce more cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone processed by the adrenal glands. Generally cortisol is released in specific circadian rhythms, but when sleep is disrupted, more pressure is put on the tiny, walnut sized adrenals to compensate. Over time, the adrenals wear out and the body suffers. The adrenal glands control everything from metabolism to blood sugars to fluid balance. Short term, cortisol reeks havoc on all the body's systems- digestive, muscular, and skeletal to name a few. Cortisol also causes more weight to be deposited in the midsection.

Val Willinghan, the Medical Producer with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and CNN, recounts her struggles, and the struggle of many women, with insomnia. EB Nutrition works with many clients to regulate their sleep patterns. If you are looking to turn over a new healthy leaf, start with getting enough good quality sleep and seek out the help you need to do so.