Want to Lose Weight? Try Sleeping More! Here’s Why {Self-Care Hacks Episode 136}

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If you struggle with weight loss, try to get more rest. The importance of rest for achieving a healthy weight is backed by science.

Try Sleeping More?

I looked at the number on the scales and sighed. For some reason, it seemed so. hard. to lose weight. I’d had initial success eating keto, but I always hit a plateau at around the same weight each time I tried it. Eating keto didn’t feel sustainable, either. So, I’d give up in discouragement and regain some of the weight I lost.

I would blame my failure on my slow metabolism (I figured since I have a low heartbeat, I must have a slow metabolism). In reality, I needed to build muscle to fire up my mitochondria. I could maintain strict self-discipline for five or six months and then slowly return to eating carbs (healthy ones, but carbs, nonetheless).

Two years ago, I joined Noom and discovered a key to why I always struggled. It turns out needed to try sleeping more. For the past few years, I’ve paid close attention to the relationship between my sleep patterns, food choices, and weight. I can see a direct relationship. Now, if I struggle to maintain weight, I check in with my sleep habits. Invariably, I’ve slept poorly or not slept enough for two or more days.

The older I get, the more difficult I find it to lose weight, so I have a strong incentive never to gain more than a pound or two above my ideal weight. Keeping a regular sleep schedule helps. I realize moms with little ones will find it difficult to maintain a regular sleep schedule. I know one young mom who only gets regular sleep when she’s not at home. Her autistic son can sleep anywhere from 10 to 5 hours a night. If he wakes up at four in the morning ready for breakfast, his parents can’t ignore him.

Everyone has different challenges during each season of their life. If you’re young with small ones, aim for what’s reasonable. When your kids get older, or your nest empties, you may need to form new sleep habits in order to lose all that mommy weight.

Show Notes

Check out this article on the importance of rest and adequate sleep.

You can download a free checklist to help you figure out your why.

Self-Care Hacks for setting up bedtime routines.

Using the After-Action Review process for physical health goals.

You can listen to episodes SCH 069, 070, 071, and 072 for ideas on a weekly Sabbath rest.

Come Back Next Week

Join me next week when we explore why we need to prioritize our health.

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