Why does sleep matter to our metabolism?
While we sleep, our body is most active in repairing our biological systems. A metabolic healthy individual processes food efficiently into energy, keeping blood glucose, lipids, blood pressure, and waist circumference in a functional range. The liver removes toxins from the blood at night, filters medication residues, and converts hormones. Old cells are recycled, and cell waste is removed. The digestive system slows down, and hearty meals close to bedtime interfere with repair processes in the gut and may even influence the composition of our microbiome.
“Sleep is the best meditation” – Dalai Lama
Lack of sleep and disrupted night rest are connected to blood sugar dysregulation, weight gain, increased oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Today there are a lot of health trackers, such as the Apple Watch or the Oura ring, that provide great insides into sleep patterns and estimates of how much time you spend in each sleep phase.
Take a Nap
Even without unique gadgets, listening to our bodies is the best indicator of our sleep needs. We should prioritize sleep and give it the same attention as our diet and physical activity. As in Mediterranean countries, a short siesta can rebalance your sleep deficit and boost your metabolism.
