Beauty Sleep? Fact or Fiction

Is beauty sleep a real thing? It turns out studies suggest it is. When we sleep our body releases a hormone called growth hormone. Growth hormone keeps us young by keeping muscles toned and skin plumped. Since growth hormone is released while we sleep, adequate sleep is necessary to maintain healthy levels. 

 Sleep deprivation can cause weight gain.  In fact, studies have shown that inadequate sleep results in an average of a 6 ½ pound weight gain and a 30 to 55 percent higher risk of obesity. Why does sleep affect weight? Because sleep plays a critical role in our production of leptin and ghrelin, two important hormones that regulate appetite and weight gain.

So yes, beauty sleep is real! Make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.