By: Jamie Carter
For those who love their beauty sleep, here’s some fantastic news: prioritizing rest over gym time might actually be the smarter choice for your health. When faced with the dilemma of choosing between a workout and getting a solid night’s sleep, experts suggest that more shut-eye could be more beneficial. Yay for naps, right? While regular exercise offers many health perks, sacrificing sleep for it can undermine your wellness journey.
The potential drawbacks of trading sleep for sweat can be significant, with one major consequence being an increased body fat percentage. Dr. Emily Thompson notes, “People who sleep less than 7-8 hours nightly tend to have a higher percentage of body fat.” Studies indicate that those averaging just 6 hours are 27% more likely to be overweight, and the risk skyrockets to 73% for individuals who only get about 5 hours of sleep. Yikes!
In addition, insufficient sleep can lead to an uptick in abdominal fat, which is both unhealthy and notoriously stubborn to shed. Nutrition expert Sarah Blake explains, “Elevated cortisol levels can trigger fat storage around the midsection.” Sleep deprivation can spike cortisol levels, especially between 4 PM and 9 PM, according to research.
Hormonal disruptions are another consequence of sleeplessness, making it even tougher to maintain healthy habits. Dr. Thompson elaborates, “Ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, increases after poor sleep, while Leptin, which signals fullness, decreases. This means we feel hungrier and less satisfied after eating, leading to overeating.”
Now it makes sense why I can demolish half a pizza when I’m running on empty. Furthermore, a lack of sleep inclines us towards high-calorie food choices. Research from a Swedish study found that sleep-deprived individuals opt for foods that are, on average, 9% higher in calories compared to when they are well-rested. Hello late-night cravings for cheesy fries!
Additionally, if you’re working out, your body desperately needs sleep for recovery. “Sleep is crucial for muscle repair and cell regeneration, making it vital for building muscle mass that burns fat,” notes Sarah Blake.
So, if your aim is to lead a healthier life, start by prioritizing your sleep before conquering the gym—after all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
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In summary, prioritizing sleep over exercise can positively impact body fat percentage, hormonal balance, and appetite control, leading to improved overall health. So, let your pillow be your first step toward fitness success!
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