When it comes to weight loss, diet and exercise are usually thought of as the two key factors that will achieve results. However, sleep is an often-neglected lifestyle factor that also plays an important role.
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Research has shown that sleeping less than the recommended amount is linked to having greater body fat, increased risk of obesity, and can also influence how easily you lose weight on a calorie-controlled diet.
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There are two important hormones - Ghrelin that triggers the feeling of hunger and Leptin which suppresses hunger and signals the brain to stop eating once full. Sleep deprivation reduces the level of leptin and ghrelin shoots up.
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This increases your hunger constantly and causes you to eat more than needed. It also fails to give you a signal when the stomach is full.
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To induce sleep, avoiding caffeine or caffeinated drinks 5 hours before sleep time can be the first step you can take. Here are the best 5 foods that will enhance your sleep quality.
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Milk or yogurt: Dairy products contain tryptophan, vitamin D and calcium thus can be a relaxing nightly ritual.
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Almonds: They are a great source of magnesium and have potential sleep-promoting effects.
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Bananas: They are nature's sedative, as they contain potassium, magnesium and tryptophan which are great for inducing sleep.
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Fatty fish: May help improve sleep because they are a great source of omega3 fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, folate and calcium.
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Chamomile Tea: Known for its content of antioxidants especially apigenin, it promotes sleepiness.
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