The Hidden Aspects of Wellness: How Sleep, Weight, and Health are Linked

Sleep is a crucial part of life, but it does more than just replenish your energy for the day. When you sleep, you allow your body to boost its functions, boosting your wellness and allowing you to pursue health habits more effectively. It’s often an overlooked aspect of well-being, but it is just as essential as proper diet and exercise. However, sleep deprivation is a common issue, with an estimated 35% of adults in the United States alone not getting enough hours of sleep. Constantly lacking sleep has ramifications for your weight and health, which can lead to more serious conditions if unaddressed. Here’s how sleep, weight, and health are linked and how you can improve sleep for better wellness.

Weight management
Obesity and weight management treatments have come a long way over the years. Besides diet and exercise plans, weight loss medications have skyrocketed in demand thanks to their effectiveness in aiding in weight loss by mimicking hormones and increasing feelings of fullness to regulate appetite. Medical professionals often compare drugs like Saxenda vs Wegovy to see which suits certain patients better, as these types of medications are administered and perform differently. But even with effective weight loss drugs for obesity treatment, they cannot fully replace health habits, which include proper sleep. Sleep plays a role in decision-making, appetite regulation, and physical wellness. When you’re well-rested, it’s easier for you to be physically active and make more conscious and nutritious food choices. Getting good sleep not only makes weight loss medications more effective, but it still helps even without the help of drugs.

Health
Sleep’s role in weight management is also connected to its role in improving overall health. Better sleep leads to better weight management, which improves physical well-being and prevents the onset of various chronic conditions. Besides weight management, sleep is crucial for maintaining the body’s condition by releasing hormones that repair cells and control how the body uses energy. As such, better sleep can help you stay energized, motivated, and more aware of your choices, allowing you to make conscious and consistent efforts toward better health. Those who are sleep-deprived, however, are more likely to have health problems like high blood pressure, asthma and heart disease. The CDC recommends seven hours of sleep every night to combat these health issues. The right amount of good sleep ensures your body gets to recover and refresh, allowing you to function at your best daily.

How to improve sleep for better weight and wellness
Getting enough sleep isn’t always easy to achieve. You might be working long hours, taking care of the family, or dealing with other health or personal issues that prevent you from consistently getting a good night’s rest. However, it isn’t impossible to improve your sleep hygiene and get better sleep quality and quantity. Changes like making a wind-down routine consisting of two or three calming activities that can signal to your mind and body that it’s time to sleep. A set schedule for sleeping and waking up to avoid further sleep difficulties. Even adjusting your bedroom conditions like temperature and lighting plays a role in helping you sleep well. For more tips on improving sleep, check out the “Set Yourself Up for Sleep Success” post to help inspire you to change your lifestyle and help you get the sleep you deserve.

Your sleep, weight, and health are all intertwined, as nearly all aspects of wellness are. Sleep shouldn't be a luxury but rather a pillar of your well-being.