Good sleep helps you lose weight

Good sleep helps you lose weight

　Losing weight can be hard and boring, but a new study has found an easy way to help: Try adding one hour or more of sleep each night.

　Researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin-Madison led a study. In the study, participants¹ slept about one hour longer each night for two weeks. The result of the study showed that adding about one hour of sleep helped the participants take in about 150 fewer calories² every day. Over the two weeks, they lost nearly 0.9 kg on average. Over three years, such a try could result in an about 12 kg weight loss.

　The reason here is that sleep can really influence our brain hormones³. These hormones tell our brain how hungry and full we are and influence our food choices. Getting good sleep helps us keep these hormones in check and further keeps us from eating too much.

　Without doubt, sleep is very important. It goes hand in hand with our health. If we can get better sleep, we are sure to live a healthier life. Study shows that adults ages 18 and over should get 7 hours or more of sleep each night. Infants and toddlers⁴ should get between 11 and 16 hours of sleep each night. It is 9 to 12 hours for primary school children and 8 to 10 hours for teenagers. Are you getting enough sleep?

Notes:

1. participant n. 参与者 2. calory n. 热量

3. 意为：脑激素 4. 意为：婴儿和学步的儿童