Sweet Dreams

If you are trying to lose weight, you may need to adjust not only your eating habits, but your sleeping habits as well. I know for many, this is easier said than done. Studies show that lack of sleep can increase hunger and affect your metabolism.

Not sleeping enough will affect the secretion of the hormone that regulates hunger, cortisol. You'll continue to feel hungry even after eating plenty of food. And if that wasn't bad enough, lack of sleep will increase your blood glucose levels because it interferes with the body's ability to metabolize carbs. Excess glucose will lead to the overproduction of insulin, which will cause your body to store more fat.

We don't want that.

Ultimately, you should strive to get around 8 hours a night. If you're not getting enough rest, your problem may simply be poor sleep habits. Maybe you're trying to squeeze every minute out of the day by taking care of work or family when you should be sleeping.

Or, perhaps you suffer with a sleeping disorder such as insomnia. However, if you would look at the list of insomnia symptoms, we all probably experience at least one symptom a few times a week. Example, difficulty falling asleep, waking up a lot, waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep, and, my personal favorite, waking up feeling unrefreshed. If you are experiencing these symptoms for more than a few weeks, you should speak with your doctor.

So, what can you do to try and improve your sleep?

Don't go to bed hungry, but don't eat a big meal either. Have something like a piece of fruit and some cottage cheese, or a few pretzels with some almonds.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the late afternoon or evening.

If you have trouble sleeping at night, don't nap during the day.

Take a warm bath, or read -- try something that will help you relax.

Make your room as comfortable as possible--the darker and quieter the better.

And, if you can't fall asleep after 30 minutes, go to another room and relax until you feel sleepy.

I hope this helps --NOW, GO TO SLEEP!!!