Researchers from several separate studies have found a link between sleep and the hormones that influence our eating behavior. Two specific hormones are involved.

Ghrelin is responsible for feelings of hunger. Leptin tells the brain when it's time to stop.

When you're sleep deprived, your ghrelin levels increase at the same time that your leptin levels decrease. The result is an increased craving for food and not feeling full.

On top of that, deprived people tend to snack on mainly high calorie sweets and salty and starchy foods.

Appetite may also be affected by the mind's reaction to both sleepiness and hunger. The two conditions cause similar psychological sensations.

People used to living with a lack of sleep sometimes assume low energy levels are a sign of hunger when they are actually in need of a good night sleep.

And lack of sleep goes even further than just messing up our eating patterns and sensations of hunger and fullness.

People experiencing sleep deprivation find it difficult to gather the energy needed for exercising, or even preparing healthy meals. How many times have you skipped your exercise session because you were just too tired to go for it ? And how many times have you called for a take-away because you were too tired to stand in the kitchen for half and hour and prepare a healthy fresh meal ?

Most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night. Some more, some less. Very few of us actually get the minimum of seven.

However, don't think that just having a good night sleep will make you lose weight !!!!

Exercise and healthy eating habits are still the way to go. But to make your weight loss journey a success, you do need to make sure you get enough sleep.

I can't help with your sleeping patterns, however, I can help with your exercise and eating habits, so if you want to give yourself a chance to succeed in your weight loss journey, give me, Anne Iarchy, Personal Trainer Barnet and North West London, a call on 07880627944 or email me at anne@barnetpersonaltrainer.co.uk