The reason so many of us don’t sleep better is usually due to a million and one things going around in our heads. Lately mine has been caused by making plans for my growing business.
Like a carousel of thoughts making you toss and turn wishing it would stop so you can get off and get some shut eye!
Getting enough quality sleep is vital to your mental and physical wellbeing.
That's why it is used in interrogation, lack of sleep or lack of quality sleep really can make you lose control of your thoughts and actions very quickly!
If you’re not getting between seven to eight hours each night, it can have a negative effect on your body increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and lowering the ability tolose belly fat.
The main reason for lack of sleep having this effect on your body is because your hormonal system regulates and resets your body at night and that is so important for your daytime wellbeing.
Sleep deprivation can play havoc with your hormones that regulate your metabolism and hunger levels.
Leptin tells you when you are full, when these levels drop because you aren’t getting enough sleep you are much more likely to over eat the next day.
On the other side, Ghrelin stimulates your appetite and when you haven’t had enough zzzz, your cravings will shoot through the roof and the desire for calorie dense high foods will increase, making it difficult once again to lose belly fat.
Your immune system is far more active at night. When you sleep your body releases proteins called cytokines, which means that if there are any unwelcome invaders in your body it has a better chances of fighting them off, keeping you nice and healthy.
Where as, if you don’t sleep enough you are more likely to catch infections.
Your skin increases the rate of production of new cells when you are in a deep sleep, as it receives extra supplies of blood. When this process takes place it gives you glowing skin, helping you look radiant and healthy.
Help is at hand to ensure you sleep better and lose belly fat in the process.
Just follow these 6 tips coupled with a healthy nutritious diet and lots of flat stomach exercises and you’ll be feeling and looking your best in no time.
1. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, even at the weekends. By doing this you will get your body into a regular routine which it will really appreciate, helping you sleep better.
2. Create a relaxing environment in your bedroom. It is very important for you to clear out any clutter that may be taking up space or causing a distraction. Remember your bedroom is for sleeping and of course having some fun.
3. Keep distractions out of the bedroom. Never take work with you to bed, leave it at the office! Try not to watch TV in bed or read papers with negative information in before going to sleep.
4. This is a very old remedy but an extremely effective one; drink a cup of camomile tea before you hit the sheets.
5. Dim the lights and run a warm bath with a few drops of essential oils added, neroli, rose or lavender all work wonders.
6. Add a couple of drops of lavender oil to your pillow. This is my favorite and it works a treat.
*please note: Although essential oils and aromatherapy can be conducive to relaxation, better sleep and good health, care must be taken when using them with certain existing medical conditions. Please check prior to use!
Sweet dreams.
Stay fit, keep focused and feel fabulous!
Steph.
Author of The Flat Stomach Solution
