Does lack of sleep affect weight loss

[Yoly1001]

I haven't been sleeping well lately, I lay down and my brain just starts running, I don't know what it is. I don't drink any caffeine, and only drink decaffinated drinks once in a blue moon and very early if ever. I find myself up until 4 in the morning, my thoughts just going around in circles it is very frustrating.

I am off to bed now, but am wondering if getting little sleep affects the body's ability to burn fat? I'm getting an average of 5 hours a night but I usually take a 2 hour nap with my kid during the day, for a total of 7 hours. I still don't feel like this is enough, because I am always tired. I can't possibly be anemic with all the meat I am eating, what could it be and is it keeping me from losing weight?

[2big4mysize]

yes lackj of sleep can stasll your weight loss efforts.
hope you get some good rest tongight

[Yoly1001]

Thanks 2big. Finally I got to bed at 1 which is pretty decent time for me, then the phone starts ringing in my ear around 4. Turns out that the person I was supposed to take to the airport at 5 forgot to mention that it's 5 A.M. Groan! Now I'm up after only 3 hours, and I thought I was gonna get a full night's sleep.

Hey! I'm finally up early enough to go jogging before it gets really hot, maybe instead of sleep I can get my excercise in, always see the silver lining

[Laurenfra]

Yoly, I miss chatting with you girl!!!
I have found that when I am not getting enough sleep I will stall.
You look awesome!!!!!!!

[2big4mysize]

good goingon that exercise and it should make you even more tired for tonight!

[iwillbethin]

Yes Yes! I really believe it does. I get good sleep when i'm exercising...like last night. I slept like a ROCK! Try and get some good sleep soon!

[Yoly1001]

Thanks Laurenfra, I miss you too! I need your water challenges to keep me chugging away during the day.

Well I went out this morning and I had my first session of training for the 5K. I don't know if I actually will run a 5K, but I would like to be able to run those 3 miles. I've never been a runner before but I managed to do well this morning. I kept repeating in my head over and over again; run, run, run, during the 60 seconds of running, lol. I can't imagine that in 6 weeks I'll be able to run for 3 miles, but I'll stick to it and see where it gets me.

[k5commando]

I'm not sure what your exercise schedule is but you might try increasing it. I found that it makes a huge difference in my sleep habits as some others have posted. I think this diet gives us more energy but we need some way to get rid of it or we get restless like little kids on a rainy day that cant get outside to play.

[Yoly1001]

I have noticed that excercise gives me even more energy and it is harder for me to sleep. I know that sounds nuts, but my body is so pumped up after excercising that on the days I excercise sleep is that much more elusive. I am on the 6 WEC, I commited to 4 days, however today was my 5th day of intense excercise and on my rest day I felt so guilty I did sit ups, leg lifts, and dogs (so it's really my 6th day).

Now for example, I just worked out and instead of being exhausted from only 3 hours of sleep and excercise, I am totally energized. This usually lasts me all day, doesn't matter if I work out in the morning or at night. I might try taking Tylenol PM tonite, just to get a good night in. Hopefully my body will get straitened out soon.

Thanks for all the tips.

[lbrowne]

I've struggled with this also. Here are some tips and links that might be useful.
http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_tips.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/printinvok...412E8380ADB508

The one I should probably work on more:
Develop relaxation techniques
Learn yoga, deep breathing, quiet mediation or listen to soft music while trying to fall asleep.

The deep breathing helps me, but often isn't enough. I should probably try out some relaxation cds. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/63958/

Good luck with this! Not only does lack of sleep affect weight loss, it also hinders work and school performance and can affect your mood. The big question is whether you feel like 5 hours of sleep is enough, or if you'd do much better with more sleep.

~ Linda