Is poor sleep contributing to your weight gain?

Sleep deprivation has a direct link with increased cravings for high calorie foods and may impair our ability to say no to junk foods.

A study by Greer, Goldstein and Walker (2013), examined the brains of 24 participants after a good night and a bad night of sleep.

The study showed that areas in the brain which are responsible for complex decision making may be impaired following sleep deprivation, which make it harder for the sleep deprived to make healthy food choices.  In addition, areas in the brain associated with desire and motivation are increased.

Further to this, the study showed that sleep deprivation causes greater cravings for high calorie foods.

Moral of the story?  Get a good night's sleep and you may find it easier to say no to temptation and stay on track with healthy eating!!  Are you getting eight hours sleep per night?  Do you find it hard to say no to that afternoon chocolate bar when you're tired?

Sleep better

Having trouble sleeping?  It could be time to redecorate your bedroom.  Soft textiles, low lighting and minimal, clutter free furnishings can help in increasing your quality zzz time.  

Here are a few of my favourite inspirations....

Taken from A Cup of Jo - Bedroom makeover

Taken from apartment therapy - Alison Hotchkiss Sanfrancisco apartment

taken from Elle Decor

Taken from Apartment Therapy - Lauren and Kevin's Chicago Apartment

Make sure you consider the following factors:

• Temperature - could you be too hot at night time - this may prevent you from falling asleep.  Is there adequate airflow coming in?  
• Light - do you have thick curtains or blinds that can block out light from other houses/apartments/street lights
• Colour - choose a peaceful, sleep inducing colour scheme - try neutral walls, or even dark moody wall paint for something different