Good sleep ‘can aid weight loss’

Weight loss can be aided through getting plenty of good quality sleep, according to a new study.

Research carried out by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claims there is evidence supporting a link between sleep deprivation and weight gain in men and women in their 30s and 40s.

The study found that people who were sleep deprived ate an average of 300 calories a day more than those who got good quality rest, making it easier to follow a weight loss diet.

Marie-Pierre St-Onge of the New York Obesity Research Center at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, who led the study, told Reuters it is possible that when people are on short sleep they are more susceptible to giving in to their desires.

“You walk past a food cart or bakery and it smells so good. If you’re sleep-deprived, you may be like, ‘oh, what the heck’,” she explained.

Reducing salt consumption may also help to assist a weight loss strategy, according to Hannah Brinsden, a nutritionist at Consensus Action on Salt and Health, who said too much of the mineral can have a major effect on long-term health.

Do you get enough sleep each night?