Think your weight loss program will only affect your health while you’re awake? Think again.
If there is one thing that most people could agree they’d like more of it is sleep. Sleepless nights followed by groggy days are not something limited to the overweight, but it is true that being overweight increases your chances of struggling with sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
As you lose weight your medical weight loss doctors in East Brunswick can help you change this by working with you to develop overall healthier habits that can improve your quality of life. As you change your eating and exercise habits, consider the benefits of changing a few habits that could be stopping you from getting an optimal night’s rest.
Here are a few simple tips that can help you get a better night of sleep as you lose weight:
- Limit caffeine consumption: You don’t need to eliminate caffeine from your diet altogether, but it may help to cut out your afternoon cup of Joe if you are having trouble getting to sleep at night. Caffeine’s job is to keep you awake, and while you might need this during the day it could be causing more trouble at night. Cutting out afternoon coffee could actually help you feel more alert.
- Skip the night cap: Alcohol has long been looked at as a way to get to sleep, but it is not recommended. Alcohol is bad for your medical weight loss plans, so it is not a good idea to be consuming it right before lying down for the night. Also, while it might help you get to sleep quicker it doesn’t promote sound sleep. When it comes to sleeping quality is just as important as quantity.
- Exercise earlier in the day: Working out is a natural energy booster, but unfortunately many people have their schedules set up so that exercise is the last thing they do before going to bed. Instead of working out at night try going to bed earlier and then waking up earlier in the morning. The morning exercise might boost your energy levels naturally, helping you to further limit your caffeine consumption.
Changing a few of your regular habits like those listed above can drastically improve your sleeping habits. Remember that you should aim to get between six and eight hours of sleep every night. For optimal rest, keep your bedroom dark, quiet and free of all distractions.
