Get more sleep. According to studies published by the Journal of the American Medical association, sleep loss increases your hunger during the day and affect your body’s metabolism.  According to Women’s Health, people who slept at least 7 hours a night were less likely to put on weight than those who didn’t.  Sleep loss has been shown to affect the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that regulates appetite.  People who do not get enough sleep may feel hungry throughout the day and crave sugary foods during the afternoon.   Studies show that not getting enough sleep can be a contributing factor to obesity.

How can you enjoy a better night’s sleep?  Add a yoga class into your workout routine.  Yoga’s soothing poses and breathing will help give you a good night’s sleep.  During your yoga class, you’ll learn some great breathing exercises and poses which will help you get a better night’s sleep which will help you to achieve your weight loss goals.

Tips for a better night sleep?

1)      Don’t workout close to your bedtime

2)      Don’t have a television set in your bedroom.  Many people claim it helps them to fall asleep but it really contributes to your lack of sleep.

3)      Use light-coloured sheets as dark, vibrant colours will make your mind too active.

4)      Don’t paint your bedroom in a loud vibrant colour like red.

5)      Don’t eat too close to bedtime

6)      Try a 10-minute breathing meditation to relax your mind before bed

7)      Watch how much caffeine, alcohol & sugar you consume before bed

8)      Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day

9)      Make sure your bedroom isn’t cluttered

10)   Only use your bedroom for sleep and sex

Sometimes it’s funny how the simplest idea can create the biggest change in your life.

Davelle Morrison is a certified Yoga Instructor & Personal Trainer and Co-creator of FIT, FIRM ‘N FAB Fitness, Nutrition & Wellness for Women.  Join the FIT, FIRM ‘n FAB team for a weekend fitness getaway in January 2010 and ONLINE BODY TRANSFORMATION Program at www.fitfirmandfab.com.