Sport Fitness & Physique

Multiple studies emerging from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences indicate that disruption of natural sleep cycles in humans causes a significant gain in body fat and overall body mass.

Too much or too little -both might make you fat!

The researchers were particularly interested in how unnatural light sources after sundown (computers, televisions, electric light bulbs, etc…), alter our natural circadian rhythms, disrupt our natural melatonin production and affect our sleep cycle.

We have long known that staying up late at night gives us more time and a greater urge to eat.  And that late-night snacking is usually something sweet, salty, crunchy, or creamy while we satisfy our ‘entitled self’ watching TV or working on the computer.

Sweet, salty, crunchy and creamy snacks eaten late at night are the perfect ‘caloric cocktail’ for excess fat!

Researchers were also fascinated to learn that longer than normal sleep cycles (9 hours or more) encouraged fat deposits too.  The reasons were very similar to the fat gained with shortened sleep cycles (7 hours or less).  It seems that any disruption in the natural sleep cycle will alter our natural hormonal profile. This hormonal alteration will encourage overeating  and cravings for the same sweet, salty, crunchy and creamy foods that encourage excess fat storage.

Bottom line?

Do your best to follow your body’s natural, circadian rhythms.

• Rest, when the sun goes down. Phase your activities into ‘sleep mode’ as darkness approaches. Use the seasons as your guide.
• Keep household lights to a minimum after sunset. Only use necessary lighting. Tone down your wattage to the least possible variable. It will help you prepare for sleep and even help you get to bed earlier too.
• Avoid internet usage after dark (tough, I know). Stay away from unnecessary, artificial light sources as much as possible.
• Go to bed earlier! This is the biggie! No need staying up late watching TV. It’s not good programming anyway.
• Keep your sleep space dark. There should be no light & no noise in your sleep space. With practice, you will wake on you own -exactly when you want to and never need an alarm clock again.

Get some rest! ~ And get your Health together!

To your Good Health!

Paul D'Arcy NSCA, CPT, Poliquin certified BioSignature Practitioner