More Sleep + Less Weight = Possible?

I know what you're saying: No way. That just sounds too good to be true. In fact, that's just downright impossible. Get more sleep and then lose weight in the process? Come on, who are we kidding?

But apparently, it IS possible! In an article I recently read from Yahoo's Shine website, Dr. Mark Hooper, founder of My Ideal Pillow, gave some handy tips. Read on and let me know what you think:




Dr. Mark Hooper, founder of My Ideal Pillow, offers some advice during the upcoming National Sleep Awareness Week (March 7-13): He says two appetite-controlling hormones are adversely affected by loss of sleep. Hence, less sleep equals more pounds. So...why not kill two birds with one stone: get some rest and curb extra eating--just by using a few simple tactics. Here, some practical strategies to help moms get some sleep.

* Change your bedtime to an earlier one.

* Switch bedtimes with your partner: You retire early one night and get up for the first feeding while he gets the baby to sleep—and then switch the following night.

* Avoid caffeine from mid-afternoon on.

* Create a sleep-friendly bedroom (cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable).

* Take a shower every morning. One mom’s brilliant, if not scientific, opinion is that a hot shower can equal two hours of sleep!

* Nap, especially on the weekends. There is truth to the phrase “catch up on sleep.”

* Let the sunlight in during the day. Even if you can’t physically make it outside, having the blinds open to let in the sun can refresh the mind and promote a better night’s sleep.

To read more tips, check out the Shine website here.

PONDER, PONDER, PONDER...
On average, how many hours of sleep do you get? How many hours of sleep would you like to get? Do you have a routine that helped you get more sleep or lose weight?

Image from sxc.hu.

Cheerios!

Rach