Did you think metabolism was just about nutrition? Most people do!

A lack of good sleep will have a huge effect on your metabolism and can easily stop you losing weight. It's not just how long you sleep that matters but how well.

Restoration and repair time

Sleep is where your body does a lot of its 'housekeeping' tasks. These include dealing with energy, and repairing and building tissues, muscles, and bones. Adequate sleep ensures that these processes occur optimally.

Poor sleep messes with your appetite

Sleep helps regulate the hormones that control hunger and appetite. When you don't get enough sleep, levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite, increase, while levels of leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, decrease.

This imbalance can lead to increased appetite and overeating, which can contribute to weight gain. On the other hand, getting enough sleep helps maintain a healthy balance of these hormones, which can reduce cravings and promote better food choices.

Metabolic rate regulation

Sleep influences your bodies 'metabolic rate' – the rate at which your body burns energy.

Studies have shown that insufficient sleep can slow down metabolism, making it harder to use energy efficiently.

Good sleep will help your body use food for energy effectively rather than storing it as fat.

Blood glucose regulation

Sleep plays a role in regulating your body. Lack of sleep can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, resulting in higher blood sugar levels. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels can contribute to weight gain and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes. Adequate sleep helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports insulin sensitivity, which is important for weight management and overall metabolic health.