Get Your ZZZZZs

We’ve said it before. We’ll say it again. You (yes, you!) need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. The busier our lives get, it seems to be a badge of honor to espouse how little sleep we get.

Sleep patterns affect our weight and consequently, our health. When you get the right amount of sleep - that means more for most of us - your body is better equipped to be at a healthy weight. Sleep involves the production of two hormones: gherelin, which stimulates appetite; and leptin, which sends signals to the brain when we’re full or satisfied. When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies tend to produce more gherelin, stimulating appetite; and less leptin, causing us to feel less satisfied after eating. Hence the reason we tend to crave sugary, high-calorie, nutrient-deficient foods when we’re tired.

Turns out your mother was right. Put down your laptop, turn off the TV and go to bed at a reasonable hour.