According to the latest health studies (and as published by just about every woman’s magazine as well as USA Today), lack of sleep makes it difficult for people to lose weight. (See the USA Today article here.) Apparently:
“Scientists have found that sleep deprivation increases levels of a hunger hormone and decreases levels of a hormone that makes you feel full. The effects may lead to overeating and weight gain. It could explain why so many Americans who are chronically sleep-deprived also are overweight. And it could be part of the reason sleepy college students, new parents and shift workers pack on pounds.”
Based on this information, we can make this conclusion using a simple syllogism:
Lack of sleep causes weight gain.
Mothers suffer from lack of sleep.
Therefore, mothers gain weight.
I’d like to add my two cents to the study by suggesting that when you lack sleep, you lack energy; and, when you lack energy, you have a hard time exercising.
I’ve also been hearing these public service announcements talking about the dangers of driving without sufficient sleep.
So, I guess it’s time I get more sleep.
I’ve made a concerted effort in the past week to get a full eight hours of sleep. So far I’ve been thwarted once by a child throwing up in the middle of the night. It has been a struggle to not stay up reading or blogging or working on my part-time job or picking up the house or any number of things. It is amazing how doing “just one more thing,” especially when the kids are asleep, is ingrained in me. I feel as though I am deprogramming my thoughts and my body.
Today is the first day I haven’t felt like I’m completely dragging. I still feel run-down, especially by afternoon. However, I am noticing a difference…and that I am working a little more quickly and efficiently during the day. Could it be that spending more time in bed equals getting maybe twenty percent more accomplished? Hmmmm….
I haven’t gone so far as to stop drinking coffee. I only have one cup early on in the morning. I’m debating whether or not to do so, but, the thing is, it isn’t the caffeine I need, but I love the smell of coffee in the morning. I think not smelling my early-morning java would just make me sad.
I’m also lucky that I don’t have infants any more. Never tell a mother of an infant she needs more sleep for her health…she knows that, and she’ll probably justifiably punch you in the nose for suggesting such a stupid thing. If she doesn’t, she’s a saint.
Anyway, I’ve decided to make it a goal for the month of April to get eight hours sleep at least six nights a week. (I wait up for my husband when he comes home from out-of-state once a week, so I’ll cut myself some slack on that night…he’s tired, too, and I want to show my love and support for all of his driving and hard work.) I’m also going to be watching the scale very closely….
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