Does sleep deprivation really affect weight loss? Well, the answer is both yes and no. If we're tossing and turning all night, aren't we burning a few kilojoules? But it is not as easy as it sounds.

When we don't have enough sleep (sleep deprivation) , our energy is very low. This can trick the brain into thinking it requires more food to replenish our energy stores. This leads us to eat more. Not only that we tend to crave high energy (and calorie) foods such as ice cream, cakes, chocolates or sugar laden soft drinks.

Furthermore, the effects of sleep deprivation or insomnia in worse cases can lessen the body's ability to process glucose efficiently leading to an increased tendency to put on weight. Research shows that this could also lead to an increased risk of diabetes!

Science proves that lack of sleep produce higher levels of the hormone called stress hormone- cortisol and thereby lower the metabolic rate. This results in our burning less kilojoules. Exercising everyday can help increase metabolic rate. Regular exercising is hard to manage especially when we are tired or simply lazy. Few people are aware that regular exercise also acts as a great stress-buster. So if we're trying to lose weight or simply maintain our weight, the amount of sleep we get greatly matters.

Things NOT to do:

1. Don't nap for long periods during the day. This upsets your natural circadian rhythm and leads to insomnia.

2. Avoid 'snack-crave' or simply avoid mid-night snacks? The body simply can't digest these and they end up accumulating as fat! Our body likes playing games with us by sending these false signals of hunger. If the desire to eat late is so strong you must have lite yoghurt, herbal tea or any milky drink. No not milk. Milk is heavy. This would only result in insomnia instead of curing it. Don't take coffee and black tea as these contain stimulants.

Things you MUST do:

1. Exercise. A simple walk or light jogging would do. For this you don't need to join a gym. Gym helps you become regular for some time but then becomes monotonous and boring. We end up making excuses not to go and before we realize we are fatter than before. Try this- walk to the market yourself instead of asking for free home delivery. Take the stairs instead of the lift.

2. Shopping is also a good idea. Large shopping centres are wonderful walking tracks. Stay away from the occasional soft-drink though. Hence regular exercise increases the metabolic rate significantly and enables us to have better sleep at night. It is also proven to reduce stress which is the enemy of restful sleep. Do not over-exercise though. Our body needs time to repair torn tissues and exercising beyond our capacity would only end up making us tired instead of refreshed.

3. Try doing the house-hold chores yourself. Sweeping, dusting and making your bed early in the morning is a good way to begin your day. If you have a sleep problem, get help. There are web-sites and books that will increase your knowledge on safe and natural ways to get a good night's sleep.

Sleeping pills are not a good idea. They end up making you addicted and do not cure the problem from the root. Eat healthy foods, get rid of stress, exercise more and sleep your weight away!

About the author:

Harison, an associated editor to Epharma.md, is a contributing author to the http://www.epharma.md for distinct article sites/journals. Please feel free to visit the website http://www.epharma.md for more information on pharmacy related issues. Or write to him AT harison.james@gmail.com. Any comments and /or suggestions will be highly appreciated. Please note that this article is not a substitute for medical advice.