A small study has highlighted the importance of adequate sleep in successful weight loss endeavors. Ten overweight, sedentary adults slept either 5.5 hours per night or 8.5 hours per night for a 2-week period. Three months later the groups were reversed. Those who slept 8.5 hours lost significantly more fat weight (55%) than those sleeping less than 5.5 hours. Less sleep also resulted in higher levels of ghrelin, which increases the sense of hunger.
PositiveTip: Sufficient sleep is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle–and successful weight loss!