Bedtime routines aren’t just for kids—they can also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight for adults. Research indicates that establishing consistent sleep patterns can have a significant impact on overall health and weight management.
According to a 2018 study involving nearly 2,000 individuals, irregular sleep patterns were associated with higher risks of hypertension, elevated blood sugar levels, and cardiovascular issues. Moreover, disrupted sleep can contribute to weight gain, as highlighted in a 2022 review.
“Weight management often hinges on nighttime habits and sleep quality,” explains Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a sleep expert at Wesper. “Consuming excess calories at night, especially from high-fat and high-carbohydrate foods, can lead to weight gain.”
To help you maintain a healthy weight, experts recommend following a structured bedtime routine. Here’s a five-step guide based on the habits of individuals who successfully manage their weight:
- Eat a Nutritious Dinner: Start your bedtime routine with a balanced dinner comprising protein and low glycemic index complex carbohydrates. Avoid sugary and processed foods, which can cause blood sugar spikes and disrupt sleep. Opt for lean proteins like chicken or salmon, paired with whole grains and vegetables to keep you satisfied until morning.
- Time Your Meals: Aim to eat dinner around sunset and close the kitchen about three hours before bedtime. Research suggests that aligning your meal times with natural daylight hours may support weight management and improve metabolic health.
- Brush Your Teeth: Besides maintaining dental hygiene, brushing your teeth can deter late-night snacking. The taste of toothpaste can temporarily suppress your appetite, making it easier to resist the temptation to indulge in unnecessary calories.
- Engage in Gentle Movement: After dinner, incorporate gentle movement into your routine to aid digestion and promote relaxation. A brisk walk or yoga session can help lower stress levels, reducing the likelihood of nighttime cravings and emotional eating.
- Limit Screen Time: Minimize exposure to screens, such as phones and tablets, before bedtime. The blue light emitted from electronic devices can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle by suppressing melatonin production. Create a technology-free buffer zone before bed to improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of late-night snacking triggered by food advertisements.
By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your bedtime routine, you can support weight management and enhance overall well-being. Remember, consistency is key to reaping the full benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Sources:
- Validation of the Sleep Regularity Index in Older Adults and Associations with Cardiometabolic Risk. Scientific Reports.
- Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Nutrients.
- Associations between the timing of eating and weight loss in calorically restricted healthy adults: Findings from the CALERIE study. Experimental Gerontology.