Lose Weight While You Sleep

July 31, 2012
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

The missing element to slimming down, speeding up metabolism and burning fat.

When it comes to weight loss, it’s not just about diet and exercise – there’s a big piece of the puzzle that most people overlook.  It’s something so essential that you’re 74% more likely to be obese without it.  

And what it is? Good quality sleep!

Currently, at least 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and my hunch is, the non-stop world we live in has something to do with it! “Nobody really closes the office anymore,” says Lisa Shives, MD, at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.  And, many of us are on Facebook or Twitter well into the night.

But, how exactly does this lack of sleep cause weight gain? Sleeping less than at least 7 or 8 hours a night inhibits the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates, leading to higher insulin levels and eventually, Type 2 diabetes. And it also contributes to the nationwide obesity epidemic – people who slept only 5 hours a night have been found 74% more likely to become obese than those who slept for 7 to 9 hours nightly, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study.

While it’s always a good idea to consult your health care practitioner about the possibly of a medical condition affecting your sleep, there are some simple ways to help you sleep sounder without tossing and turning!

Watch this video for my 3 Secrets to Slimmer Sleep:

 

1. Eat Before You Sleep
Tracking eating and sleeping habits of over 450 women in one long-term government study, researchers found the more unhealthy fats they ate, the less they slept. Alcohol and caffeine were also culprits. Avoid these sleep detractors, but do try eating a little protein in the evening to level your blood sugar before you start stacking ZZZs. Whip up a little whey protein drink as a night cap to help you snooze more soundly and support lean muscle mass in the process.

2. De-Stress with Magnesium
The mineral magnesium, found in leafy greens and nuts like almonds, can help you sleep through the night. If you’re low in this mineral due to stress—as most people are—try taking 400 mg of Magnesium, the calming anti-stress supplement that can contribute to a full night’s sleep without intermittent wake-ups.

3. Ground Yourself with Earthing Technology
Several studies have confirmed that when Earthing technology is used during sleep, “it normalizes the daily cortisol [stress hormone] rhythm, improves sleep, and reduces pain and inflammation,” writes James L. Oschman, PhD, in the Journal of Bodywork Movement and Therapy. I find this cortisol discovery especially promising: high levels of cortisol prevent a good night’s sleep, while impacting metabolic rate, so that you burn less fat, have cravings, and gain weight!

The Earthing Half Sheet (placed at the foot end of any bed, over the bottom fitted sheet, and tucked around and under the mattress) grounds your body to the Earth for sound sleep. You can also sleep grounded with a Universal Mat or by wearing a special Earthing Wrist/Ankle Band – which may be the most versatile and cost-effective option. Learn more at http://www.unikeyhealth.com/earthing.

I can personally recommend Earthing because I’ve seen the difference it’s made in my life, but here’s what other people are saying after using Earthing sleep systems:

“After using the Earthing Universal Mat for one day, that evening I experienced the best sleep I’ve had in awhile. Previously, I woke up with pain in the deltoids muscle—but not after using the pad…for just one day! After several days of usage, the best word I can use to describe the feeling throughout my body is “fluidity” of movement. I have arthritis in my spine, hands, neck and also fibromyalgia.” – Diana L.

“I’ve been sleeping on the Earthing Half Sheet for many months and I sleep so much deeper, dream vividly, and wake up totally refreshed. I don’t wake up during the night any more either. I love the Earthing Wrist Bands, too, because they are so versatile. I use the wrist band while I am watching TV to help me relax. I also use it while I am at the computer and I don’t feel tired by the end of the day.” – Liz B.

 

Here’s to a good night’s sleep – See you in dreamland!

Related Articles and Podcasts

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books including The Fat Flush Plan series and her latest book, Radical Metabolism. She’s been rewriting the rules of nutrition for more than 40 years and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of diet, detox and women’s health issues. 

For a FREE daily dose of tips and strategies for maintaining healthy weight, conquering insomnia, and much more…check out my Radical Health Tips.

I’d like to meet and greet you on my Facebook groups, so won’t you check us out at the Radical Metabolism RevolutionFat Flush Nation, or my Inner Circle!

8 Comments

  1. Marina

    Hello. I have chronic shoulder pain, fibromyalgia-like I believe, and would like to try earthing. I am leaning toward using an EARTHING mat. I take Synthroid and have read to watch for symptoms of over stimulation of the thyroid. Can you guide me on how long I should use the pad at one time? Should I gradually increase the time of use? Is there a best time of the day to use the pad? How does an earthing pad compare to a magnetic pad?
    With your guidance, I am having steady improvement of adrenal fatigue symptoms with Unikey’s Adrenal Formula. I am now looking for a natural way to ease my chronic shoulder pain and weakness. I seek to avoid the path of medications and steroid injections. Thank you very much.

    Reply
    • Sierra

      Hi Marina!
      Earthing while on Synthroid should be started in small quantities, just to experiment. I would say 10 minutes to 45 minutes at a time for your first few sessions. Most people will not experience overstimulation, but take it easy on the chance that you may.
      Time of day is not really relevant, however once you are fully adjusted to it, you may find that sleeping ‘grounded’ is extremely beneficial.
      There is no magnetism in the Earthing products, so I’m not sure how they compare.
      We’re very happy to hear that your adrenal fatigue is lessening! I’m sure the Earthing will additionally support the normalizing of your cortisol rhythm and reducing your chronic pain and inflammation simultaneously.
      Best wishes to you!

      Reply
  2. Marina

    Sierra, thank you so much for the guidance on using an earthing device. I am ready to go forward and try earthing.
    I am so grateful to Dr. G. and all of you for your wisdom/ knowledge on the human body and how to heal naturally. I am steadily achieving greater health thru Dr. G’s excellent books and this wonderful blog. I am most grateful.

    Reply
  3. Rosalie

    Sierra, I, too, take synthroid, and want to THANK YOU for specifically mentioning a way to use earthing devices, if that’s the case. Additionally, I want to thank Marina, for raising this question, as I, too, became concerned every time I read the exceptions/cautions, regarding those people taking thyroid medication.

    Another question I would like to ask to anyone. Is there an Adrenal formula for vegetarians? I should probably ask this on the page that addresses Adrenal formula, specifically, but thought I might post it here, as well.

    Best to all of you!!!

    Reply
    • Sierra

      No problem ladies, I am happy to be helpful 🙂

      The UNI KEY Adrenal Formula does contain bovine glandulars, so most vegans and vegetarians might consider a different formulation that Uni Key offers, called Para-Vege and Sym-Vege, depending on your metabolic type. It is only available by special order, so please call 800.888.4353 if you are interested.

      Reply
  4. Zelma Amick

    Adrenal fatigue is a term applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems. The term often shows up in popular health books and on alternative medicine websites, but it isn’t an accepted medical diagnosis.

    Reply
  5. Leah

    I have to get up early, but I have a bad habit of going to bed late. I think I might have a bit of insomnia or stress problems, is there a way to fix these things while still being active and doing regular things like work and exercising? Because I have a lot of work stress and I run ever week day for about a mile. Is there any advice that anyone can give me? I would be so grateful!

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      You might greatly benefit from adrenal support! The UNI KEY Adrenal Formula would be recommended. An Adrenal Stress Panel through their self-testing could shed light on the underlying cause as well. Best wished to you!

      Reply

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