Lose Weight While You Sleep: Dr. Berg’s 8 Tips for Burning Fat Overnight
Water loss: You do lose some weight during sleep, but it’s mostly water weight. Sweating and breathing cause this “insensible water loss,” which can be up to 83% of the weight you lose overnight. This isn’t significant for long-term weight loss, and the weight comes back once you rehydrate.
Calorie burning: Your body still burns calories for basic functions while you sleep, but it’s not a substantial amount for weight loss.
How sleep helps with weight loss indirectly:
Reduced cravings: When you’re well-rested, your body produces hormones that regulate appetite better. You might crave unhealthy snacks less and feel more satisfied with healthy portions.
Improved metabolism: Studies suggest that sleep deprivation can mess with your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours) might help your body function more efficiently.
Tips to promote weight loss through sleep:
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Develop good sleep hygiene: Create a relaxing bedtime routine, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and support a healthy metabolism.
Focus on sustainable weight loss:
Remember, sleep is just one piece of the weight loss puzzle. Combine good sleep habits with a healthy diet and regular exercise for the best results. Here are some resources for healthy weight loss:
The National Institutes of Health: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/eat/
The American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/losing-weight
I hope this clarifies how sleep can indirectly help with weight loss!