Why & How to Establish a Sleep Routine for Health, Weight Loss, and Better Aging

Sleep is an essential part of our daily routine, and it plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. A good sleep routine is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and it can have a significant impact on our weight loss goals and the aging process.

Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and obesity. When we don't get enough sleep, our body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates our appetite, and less of the hormone leptin, which suppresses our appetite. This can lead to overeating and weight gain, making it harder to achieve weight loss goals.

In addition to weight loss, a good sleep routine can also slow down the aging process. During sleep, our body repairs and regenerates cells, which helps to keep our skin looking healthy and other physical benefits.

A consistent sleep routine can help regulate our body's internal clock, which is responsible for controlling our sleep-wake cycle. When we have a regular sleep routine, our body knows when it's time to sleep and when it's time to wake up, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

So what does a good sleep routine look like? A good sleep routine should include going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time every day, even on weekends. It's also important to create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing meditation. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime can also help improve the quality of our sleep. 

We’re also big fans of the Calm App. Calm welcomes users to get lost in their “Sleep Stories”, which are “soothing bedtime tales designed to help settle your busy mind and relax your body so that you can drift off to sleep with ease.” Other options on Calm are sleep soundscapes, which is music designed to help you “let go of the day and find deep rest”, as well as ASMR sessions (autonomous sensory meridian response), which relies on the good feeling some people experience in response to certain sounds.

In conclusion, a good sleep routine is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, achieving weight loss goals, and slowing down the aging process. By prioritizing our sleep and creating a consistent sleep routine, we can improve our overall health and well-being! 

Sources:
Cherie Lamb, Dr. Michael Breus “The Sleep Doctor”, Calm, and sleep.com