Trying to lose weight but hitting a plateau? You might be missing one of the most overlooked health strategies: sleep. Getting quality rest each night could be the secret weapon you need to shed those stubborn pounds.
The Science Behind Sleep and Weight
Your body uses a delicate hormone system to regulate appetite, metabolism, and energy. When you’re sleep-deprived, that system falls out of balance. Two key hormones—ghrelin (which increases hunger) and leptin (which signals fullness)—are especially impacted. Less sleep means more ghrelin, less leptin, and more cravings for salty, fatty, and high-calorie foods.
And that’s not all. A lack of sleep also boosts cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. High cortisol levels have been linked to increased belly fat, elevated blood pressure, and poor blood sugar regulation—all risk factors for weight gain and chronic disease.
How to Sleep Your Way to a Better Weight
You already know diet and exercise are essential—but now you know sleep is just as important. To make the most of your rest, aim for at least 7–8 hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep each night. Here are some simple tips:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule—even on weekends.
- Power down screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
- Skip heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol in the evening.
Want to unlock better sleep and a healthier body? At Van Dam Chiropractic, we help patients in Fargo, ND achieve better rest, restore balance, and support natural weight loss.
Call (701) 532-5320 today to schedule your wellness consultation and start sleeping your way to better health!
For Your Health,
Dr. Scott Van Dam
