Lose Weight By Sleeping!

If your waistline keeps expanding, you may simply need more sleep!  According to a recent HealthDay News article, new research suggests that skimping on sleep can cause us to gain weight.

Apparently, sleep deprivation can affect your entire body--particularly the hormones that help regulate hunger.  And when you're sleepy (especially during the day), you're more likely to reach for a sugary snack to give you a burst of energy.

So if you've been gaining weight lately--and sleeping less--it may be time to readjust your nighttime schedule.  Try going to bed just thirty minutes earlier and you may notice a difference in your energy and appetite.

Here are some more tips for a good night's sleep:

•    Make sure your bedroom is dark.  You may even want to cover glowing lights, like the kind on your alarm clock.
•    Try white noise--like a fan or white noise machine--to block out the sounds of neighbors or family members.
•    Keep the room a comfortable temperature.  Most people sleep better in a cooler room.
•    Use your bedroom for sleeping and sex only.  Do not read, watch TV or do work in bed.

For more information about sleep, visit www.sleepfoundation.org.