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Print Extra sleep may help those new year's weight-loss resolutions
by News You Can Use From Welch'sWith each new year come resolutions from millions of people to lose those unwanted pounds and - according to the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association - their success may hinge on how much they sleep.
The study monitored how sleep loss affects the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that regulates appetite. Individuals who lose sleep may continue to feel hungry despite adequate food intake.
Additionally, experts at the National Sleep Foundation recommend people who vow to lose weight in the new year should adjust not only their eating habits but also their sleeping habits:
- Don't go to bed hungry, but don't eat a big meal right before bedtime.
- Exercise regularly; however, do so at least three hours before bedtime.
- Avoid caffeine; instead, try a glass of Welch's Purple 100% Grape Juice. A six-ounce serving is naturally caffeine-free and also counts as a serving of fruit!
- If you have trouble sleeping at night, don't nap during the day.
- Establish relaxing pre-sleep rituals such as a warm bath or a few minutes of reading.
- Create a pleasant sleep environment; make it as dark and quiet as possible.
- If you can't sleep, don't stay in bed fretting; after 30 minutes, go to another room and involve yourself in a relaxing activity until you feel sleepy.
These tips, along with a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, meats, enriched grains, and dairy products, may help you make 2004 the year you keep that resolution to trim down and stay healthy!
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