Sleep plays an important role in regulating the hormones that affect our mood, cravings and motivation, according to Natasha Turner, author of the book, The Super-Charged Hormone Diet.
Here are two bad sleep habits that can disrupt key hormones and contribute to weight gain:
- Eating too close to bedtime: According to Turner, late-night meals and snacks can raise your insulin level and “prevent your body from cooling down during sleep. As a result, less cell-boosting melatonin and growth hormone are released while you snooze.” It’s best not to eat within three hours of bedtime.
- Sleeping in a room with too much light: “Even a small amount of light interferes with the release of melatonin and, subsequently, the release of growth hormone. Cortisol also remains abnormally high when you are exposed to light,” Turner writes. Use blackout shades and an eye mask to reduce light exposure. And turn alarm clocks as well as other electronic devices away from you.
