We all know how important a good night's sleep is; it affects our productivity, focus, mood, energy and performance. Sleep is also important for protection from cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Did you know that sleep is also beauty rest? We now know it enhances the hormones that rebuild our skin, bones and muscles and it is also essential for weight loss. Studies show sleep-deprived individuals are more overweight.
There's a trick though - sleep has to be done properly and in the right amounts in order for people to receive these benefits. I bet you never thought there was a right and wrong way to sleep, did you?
If you currently experience sleep issues such as problems falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early or whether you are simply interested in optimizing your sleep habits for weight loss, anti-aging and wellness, I have the perfect tips for you. Let's get started!
Lights Out!
Your room should be as dark as possible (you should not be able to see your hand in front of your face). When light hits your eyes, it disrupts production of the hormone melatonin. Studies have shown that even a small amount of light can cause a decrease in melatonin levels which can affect sleep and may raise cancer risks, heart disease and diabetes risk.
Melatonin can also influence our ability to lose weight because without the release of melatonin, we have less growth hormone production. Growth hormone works to repair and maintain metabolically-active muscle tissue while we sleep.
Do not turn on the light if you go to the bathroom during the night. Even brief exposure to light can shut down melatonin production. However, be sure to open the blinds first thing in the morning. Letting in the daylight and the sounds of the morning imprints the stimulus associated with awakening in the brain. This is the proper way to reset your body clock and will ensure that your melatonin levels stay set on "awake" until the evening. Exposing yourself to natural light has also been found to significantly increase energy levels throughout the day.
