You probably notice that I talk about sleep frequently.
That’s because making sure you get enough quality shuteye each night is one of the most critical things you can do for your health.
And according to a new study, NOT getting enough sleep could lead to a DANGEROUS habit… and chronic disease.
Let me explain.
Less sleep, more fat?
According to researchers from the Mayo Clinic, less sleep could lead to more calorie consumption.
This dangerous habit could then result in more visceral fat… and a heightened risk of chronic disease.
Researchers studied the sleep and eating patterns of 12 people who were not obese.
For two weeks, one group slept for four hours each night, while the control group slept for nine. Both groups had the same access to food throughout the study.
Researchers found people who slept less consumed an extra 300 calories compared to when slept for nine hours. Each subject ate nearly 13 percent more protein and 17 percent more fat.
As a result, visceral fat increased. This type of fat winds itself around your internal organs, like your liver and intestines. And it changes the way they work.
That’s partly because visceral fat releases substances that increase inflammation—the root of countless health issues.
The worst part? Simply trying to “catch up” on sleep wasn’t enough to counteract the detrimental effects of visceral fat, according to researchers.
But combining better sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating could prove beneficial. Here’s how…
Good health starts with better sleep
Getting enough sleep each night is essential to your health. When you sleep, your body repairs damaged cells from the day. It also allows your body and mind to recharge so that you’re refreshed when you wake. And of course, healthy sleeping patterns can help stave off disease.
I always recommend between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.
If you’re struggling to achieve this, I recommend the following three supplements to form the core of your sleep restoring supplement regimen:
- Melatonin. I recommend starting with as little as 3 mg every night before bedtime. You can go higher, slowly increasing the dosage in increments if need be. Just never exceed 20 mg. (If you’re waking up groggy, you’ve taken too much.)
- 5-HTP. This will induce drowsiness at bedtime and help regular your body’s sleep/wake cycle. Safe and effective doses range anywhere from 100 mg to 5,000 mg per day, right before bedtime. (Most people don’t need more than 1,000 mg.) Start with the smallest dose and work your way up, 100 mg at a time, until you notice a difference in how quickly and easily you’re able to drift off to sleep.
- SAM-e. This amino acid helps regulate your body’s biological rhythms. I recommend 400 mg every morning.
In addition to focusing on quality shuteye, I encourage you to exercise regularly andfollow a healthy, balanced diet. Because as I’ve reported here before—and as this new research shows—there’s no better trio to help protect yourself from visceral fat (and chronic disease).
Source:
“Sleeping four hours or less a night can lead to more belly fat.” Study Finds, 04/04/2022. (studyfinds.org/sleeping-less-more-belly-fat/)