The link between body fat and sleep habits just seems to be getting stronger. That is, lack of sleep is the variable often linked to people who have a high body fat percentage or find it difficult to lose unwanted weight.
Poor sleep habits, or simply not getting enough sleep, interferes with the regulation of hormones that control appetite. It also decreases muscle sensitivity to insulin. These two factors mean that people end up eating too much of the wrong foods and more calories are stored as fat.
Yet another new study has reported that overweight individuals consistently have poor sleep patterns. To optimize your muscle gains and fat loss efforts, switch the TV off an hour or two earlier at night and get more sleep.
Source: International Journal of Obesity, June 2008.
