Are you building a beach body? Start sleeping properly!

Summer is here and so is the time to hit the beach. And in order for you and your body to be fully prepared, you must not forget that the loss of extra pounds and sufficient, quality sleep go together ! Yes, it's true! Trying to lose weight isn't just gyms, cardio and "chicken and rice"! In fact, as the experts say, the quality and quantity of your sleep every night are just as important as diet and exercise. But what is the reason?

1. Sleep helps prevent weight gain

Studies show that those who sleep 7-9 hours every night are less likely to suffer from obesity in their adult life. In particular, research conducted by the scientific team of New York University, proved that the lack of sleep (less than 7 hours per day) is closely related to a larger waist circumference, which is a sign of the accumulation of abdominal fat. On the contrary, every extra hour of sleep reduces the body mass index (BMI) measurements. In fact, this principle seems to apply both to adults and to children and adolescents, with a large amount of research proving that the phenomenon of "short sleep", which refers to sleep duration of less than seven hours a day, increases the possibility of childhood obesity from 30 to 45%.

2. Prevents nocturnal raids on the fridge

It turns out that quality sleep early on can regulate appetite and guide us to better food choices than all-nighters. Going to bed later and later means staying awake for longer hours, which can give your stomach room to crave another meal, especially if it's more than three hours after dinner. If you already suffer from insomnia at night, it is very likely that you prefer unhealthy snacks, because in the wee hours the stomach craves foods rich in fat and calories. People who lack the recommended eight hours of rest consume an average of 385 extra calories each day, most of which come from high-fat meals. In fact, if your dinner includes large portions, do not be surprised if insomnia is prolonged, while the quality and duration of sleep is disturbed. The ideal solution is to eat your last meal 2 to 3 hours before going to sleep, and if you suddenly have an appetite, we urge you to choose something small and rich in protein, such as a yogurt or thin crackers with cottage cheese.

3. It improves the endurance and performance of the human… machine

Finally, don't forget that a night's rest gives you more energy for the next day, facilitating physical activity and helping metabolism. In fact, sleep and exercise are connected and interact. Lack of sleep leads to reduced physical activity, and reduced physical activity negatively affects sleep quality. So it's very easy to get into a vicious cycle of morning exhaustion and evening overwork. By adjusting the sleep schedule, you plan and enjoy your day to the fullest. And don't underestimate the half hour on the treadmill or the morning stretches, because on a daily basis they can make a difference.

How will I manage to sleep properly?

Sleep, like trying to lose weight and exercising, are mainly results of harmony, balance and lifestyle. For this reason, they perform when we have a goal, a program and the right equipment. Therefore, proper and sufficient sleep is not ONLY necessary when trying to lose extra pounds, but in general to have a healthy and happy everyday life full of energy! To achieve this, it is important to:

• We sleep in a routine with a specific time when we go to bed and when we wake up
• We follow a bedtime routine to get into bed "nani ready" - eat a few hours earlier, relax, take care of our hygiene
• We choose the right mattress that meets our needs! Not just a good mattress, but the PERFECT MATTRESS for us, our bodies and the sleeping habits we have. At the same time, we do not forget the necessary sleep accessories that will complete the ultimate relaxation experience.

In conclusion

Will I sleep and lose weight? Not exactly, but almost YES! Proper sleep not only regulates all the biochemical functions of the body, but above all it relaxes you, rests you, as a result of which it keeps your metabolism at harmonious levels, allowing you to control the feeling of hunger and helping the body in its recovery effort after training , so that the next day it can perform with the same efficiency. *Scientifically reviewed by Nick Villalobos, MD, ABMS board-certified internist, pulmonologist, and clinical assistant professor for Healthline