09/07/2026
Does Sleep REALLY Impact Weight Loss?
Our next tip with blocking out Food Noise (the post from a few weeks ago) was to get proper SLEEP!
Proper sleep helps in the process of losing weight, keeping it off, and staying healthy overall.
In fact, lack of sleep can increase appetite by changing your hormones, it makes you more likely to eat unhealthy foods, and it influences how body fat is lost when you're being more health-conscious.
You may be thinking "well you don't understand MY life and MY reason for not sleeping".
Well, I may not know your reasons personally, but I do have my own excuses!
I have 4 kids ages 7 and under, and bedtime is rough around here. I'm in the thick of it, my friend!
Regardless of the excuses, the tips I'm going to give you are relevant for ANY stage of life, and they personally help me to not be a literal zombie most days!
Even if there are circumstances out of your control, you DO have the ability to set yourself up for successful sleep!
READ BELOW:
1) AVOID CAFFEINE LATER IN THE DAY
Consuming caffeine later in the day can interfere with deep sleep!
It is suggested to stop consuming caffeine at least 6 hours before sleep in order to set yourself up for successful DEEP sleep.
2) TURN OFF ELECTRONICS AT NIGHT
You may feel the need to mindlessly scroll before bed, but if you can, stay away from electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed.
Here is the reason why it matters:
Artificial light interferes with our brain’s production of melatonin, which regulates your metabolism and can ensure deep sleep!
So, if you can, read a book instead!
3) WATCH YOUR LATE-NIGHT SNACKS!
If you feel the need to snack late at night, it’s probably because you’re not eating enough throughout the day.
Or it could be your body telling you to drink more water!
Digestion takes a lot of energy and it makes it a lot harder to fall asleep or to get good quality sleep.
If you do plan on snacking or eating later at night, avoid foods that contain caffeine, refined sugars (candy/cookies/ice cream), spicy or fried foods, alcohol, or foods high in sodium.
All of these can disrupt your sleep cycle and/or cause heartburn and indigestion!
Instead, according to sleep.com, eating things like seeds & nuts, greek yogurt, whole grain cereal, bananas, or hummus and veggies won't interfere with your sleep patterns.
4) GO TO BED EARLIER!
Sticking to a reasonable bedtime teaches your body to release calming hormones to help you fall asleep.
Routine is key!
Even if you get woken up by little people at night, like I do, you can still make it a point to go to bed at a reasonable time and stay away from your phone right before bed.
If you have a hard time falling back asleep, a natural, non-habit forming supplement like magnesium glycinate is really helpful.
If you work on setting yourself up for successful sleep, your energy levels will be through the roof and it will only make it easier for you to keep the weight off (if that is your goal) and stay healthy!
- Thanks for taking the time to read this! Mandy Webb, KW Fitness Co-Owner
