You’re probably thinking from the title, “I can lose weight while sleeping?” Well, not exactly. So how does sleeping lead to weight loss?

Scientific studies have recently determined that extended sleep decreases your calorie intake. The average decrease in calorie intake from extended sleep is about 270 calories a day. That’s a good amount from just sleeping well. Some peoples’ calorie intake has even decreased by 500. Studies have also found that over three years, you can lose almost 30 pounds if you eat 270 fewer calories each day.

How does this work? How does sleeping correlate with calorie intake? Two certain hormones, leptin and ghrelin, control hunger and your appetite. When the amount of time you sleep decreases, leptin also decreases. When leptin decreases, you will have more of an appetite, which leads to consuming more calories. Body weight does not change the effects of decreased/increased sleep.

It’s difficult for children and adults to develop a good sleep schedule due to school or work. You need to create a balanced schedule and manage your time well. Complete things that need to be done for the day in a timely manner, so you will not have to stress about it, or do it when you should be sleeping.

Electronics also play a huge part in people’s sleep schedules. The blue light that is emitted from phones, tablets, laptops, computers, televisions, etc. can slow down or stop the release of melatonin, which can keep you awake at night.

A leader, Dr. Esla Tasali, in the sleep improvement program says, “Some of them said to me, ‘I thought I was going to be less productive. You’re giving me so much time in bed, how am I going to do all this work that I’m supposed to do?’ At the end of the two weeks, they kept telling me that they were more productive, because they were more energized and more alert.”

Good hygiene, limited electronic use, and a balanced work schedule will lead to better sleep. A better and extended sleep will result in weight loss.