Go back to sleep... I know that's what many of you wish to hear on many mornings when you wake up. But hey, here's another reason to focus on your sleep. Lack of sleep can indeed contribute to weight gain in several ways. Here are three key mechanisms through which insufficient sleep can lead to an increase in weight:

1. Disruption of your hormone balance: Getting insufficient sleep will affect the balance of hormones involved in appetite regulation. You may have heard of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger; it increases with a lack of sleep. You may have heard of leptin as well, a hormone that signals satiety and tells us that our body is full. This hormonal imbalance can lead to an increase in appetite and cravings, particularly for carbohydrate-rich foods.
2. Increased caloric intake: This one seems obvious after what we just discussed above. People who are sleep-deprived seek energy boosts from food, especially high-sugar and unhealthy fats. Lack of sleep can also cloud our judgment and decision-making, even though you "know" what you should and shouldn't be eating.
3. Impaired metabolism: Lack of sleep and sleep deprivation can negatively impact metabolic processes in the body. It can reduce insulin sensitivity, which leads to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing insulin resistance, associated with weight gain and eventual diabetes. What we often don't realize is that insulin resistance is directly associated with weight gain. Additionally, inadequate sleep can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, affecting the regulation of other metabolic processes, including glucose metabolism and fat storage. These factors can contribute to a slower metabolism and easier weight gain.

So go ahead and treat yourself to that extra hour. Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep is essential for having a healthy day. While many of us can't or don't want to sleep in during the morning, this just means you need to fall asleep earlier. One saying I like to share is, "One hour before midnight is worth two hours after midnight." Those of you with sleep trackers like the Oura Ring can back me up on this one !

One of the favorite nighttime drinks at the Meadow’s house is Max Relax. It's great, it's pink, and putting it in a wine glass makes for a luxurious nighttime experience. Enjoy the benefits as you doze off an hour early!