Sleep and Weight Loss – Why 7 Hours May Not Be Enough
Why the Quality of Sleep Matters More Than the Quantity for Weight Loss
Ankit:
"Neha, tell me one thing yaar – everyone says to sleep for 7 hours to stay fit, but my question is, is just counting the hours enough? Or is there more to this story of sleep?"
Neha (laughing):
"Oh my god, Ankit! You keep daydreaming anyway – but you got the point about sleep right. See, the thing is that sleep is not a game of time, but of quality. Meaning, if you are waking up frequently in sleep, changing sides – then even those 7 hours are of no use to you."
1. Role of Sleep in Hormonal Balance
Ankit:
"So does lack of sleep really affect our hormones and appetite?"
Neha:
"Yes, yes! When you don't get enough sleep, the hunger hormone called ghrelin increases rapidly - and leptin, which tells you that you are full, decreases. Meaning? More hunger, more eating, and a direct impact on weight!"
Ankit (with a sad face):
"So this means that the habit of watching Netflix at night is increasing the roundness of the belly?"
Neha:
"Absolutely! And the worst thing - in that hunger, a person does not look for something healthy, he directly pounces on samosas, pizza or sweets."
2. Sleep and Metabolism
Ankit:
"So you mean that sleeping properly also keeps the metabolism set?"
Neha:
"Absolutely! When you don't get enough sleep, the body's metabolism slows down. That means the body becomes lazy in burning calories and quietly keeps accumulating fat - like storing mummy's old aloo ka paratha!"
Ankit:
"Oh! So, if you didn't get proper sleep, your fat burning speed got slowed down?"
Neha:
"You are right. Sleep keeps your metabolism fast, which helps the body burn stored fat."
3. Effect of Sleep on Emotional Eating
Ankit:
"Neha, tell me one thing - when we are tired and irritated, why do we feel like emptying the entire fridge?"
Neha:
"Because, lack of sleep increases stress and when a person is stressed, the brain says - 'Let's eat a plate of chaat.' That means emotional eating begins!"
Ankit:
"That means the more sleep you lose, the worse your mood - and the worse your mood, the more your craving!"
Neha:
"Yes, and the craving is not just any kind - just for chocolate, burgers and French fries."
4. Quality of Sleep vs. Quantity of Sleep
Ankit:
"So Neha, is it not enough to just sleep for 7 hours?"
Neha:
"No, if you woke up 5 times in those 7 hours, then your body must not have gone into REM sleep - and that is the deep sleep that repairs the body and helps burn fat."
Ankit:
"Meaning quality is important, not quantity?"
Neha:
"Absolutely! Sleep should be like sleeping under a quilt on a rainy night - absolutely uninterrupted and cozy!"
5. Desi Tips for Better Weight Loss
Ankit:
"Okay, now I understand that sleep is the real hero. Now tell me what to do?"
Neha:
"First thing - set a time to sleep. Make it a habit to sleep at the same time every day. Second thing - say goodbye to mobile, laptop and TV before sleeping. The blue light of the screen confuses the mind whether it is day or night!"
Ankit:
"And what if I drink tea before sleeping?"
Neha:
"Then don't say that you tossed and turned all night. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the evening. Have a light dinner and lukewarm milk - sleep will come on its own!"
6. Desi Remedies for Stress to Improve Sleep and Weight Loss
Ankit:
"And tell me, how do I control stress feelings so that I can sleep well and lose weight?"
Neha:
"Look, stress increases cortisol - and that is the hormone that stores fat. It is very important to control it. Do some yoga, meditation or take a walk in the park."
Ankit:
"So say 'bye' to tension and 'hi' to sleep?"
Neha:
"Absolutely! If the mind is relaxed, you will sleep well - and when the sleep is perfect, losing weight will also become easy!"
Conclusion: Make Sleep Your Fitness Partner
Ankit:
"Now I understand - we don't have to just count the hours, but we have to see whether our sleep is recharging the body or not."
Neha:
"That's right! As much as we take care of diet and workout, we should take the same care of sleep - because without a good sleep, the body will not be able to burn fat at the speed."
Ankit (smiling):
"So let's decide from today - phone off, lights dim, and absolutely peaceful sleep. If you want to be perfect like Neha, then you will have to take sleep seriously too!"
Neha (laughing):
"And if Ankit like you also wants to become a hero, then he should not give up dieting even in his dreams!"
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