ThoreauClubWinterMagazine1_19

• Studies have found that poor sleep is associated with weight gain and a higher likelihood of obesity in both adults and children. • Poor sleep can decrease your self-control and decision-making abilities and can increase the brain’s reaction to food. Poor sleep has also been linked to increased intake of foods high in calories, fats and carbs. • Poor sleep can increase your calorie intake by increasing late-night snacking, portion sizes and the time available to eat. • Lack of sleep may decrease your exercise motivation, quantity and intensity. “ Creating the right conditions can help you not only increase the amount of time you sleep, but the quality of that sleep as well. ” Start by making sure you have: A QUIET COOL ROOM. Ideal sleeping temperature range anywhere from 65-72 degrees, but some people sleep better with it even colder. DARK DIM CONDITIO NS. Sleeping when it’s dark helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm. The darkness signals to your body that it’s time to sleep. Blackout curtains work well for those sensitive to any light. They also help regulate the temperature of the room. SKIP THE E-READER. Reading a book before going to sleep is a good way to help the body and mind relax. However, the bright light of an e-reader has been shown to throw off your body’s sleep cycle by making it believe it’s time to be awake. If you want to read, try a hard copy to help your body stay on schedule. FACTS SLEEP Contact Suzanne Iovanni, [email protected] to learn more about our nutrition programs 9 LEARN MORE AT WWW.THOREAU.COM