The Critical Role Sleep Plays in Weight Loss –

At National Allergy, we know how important it is to combat allergens. But did you know that allergies can directly affect your sleep? Did you also know that insufficient sleep can have negative impacts on weight loss? In this guide, we'll talk about the most common culprits causing sleep deprivation. And we'll also offer various tips, tricks, and tools, including allergy bedding, air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers, to help improve your sleep habits and get your weight loss journey started off right!

When it comes to losing weight, sleep can often be just as important as exercise and nutrition. Below we'll discuss some changes you can make to help improve sleep and weight loss. Of course, both diet and exercise are two fundamental aspects of successful weight loss. Still, there's another critical factor that tends to get overlooked – sleep! Most adults require an average of seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Yet, the CDC estimates that up to one-third of American adults are sleeping less than seven hours per night.

In particular, when you're looking to lose weight, the effects of not getting enough sleep can go far beyond being tired or less productive. Specifically, inadequate sleep can trigger metabolic and hormonal changes, increasing appetite and cravings and decreasing insulin sensitivity. These effects can even be so significant in certain situations that insufficient sleep is considered to be a risk factor for weight gain and obesity. Additionally, because lack of sleep impacts mental health, mood, and thought patterns, it can make it that much more challenging to make healthy food choices.

Weight loss is challenging enough on its own, and when you're attempting it without adequate rest, things can start to feel impossible. Extra sleep is the last thing you want to waste your time on when you're on a health journey. With this guide, we'll help you achieve the sleep you need to make your weight loss goals a reality. Below we've compiled a few steps you can take, tools you can implement, and changes to your nightly routines you can make. Here at National Allergy, we believe these targeted tips and tricks will help you snooze longer, wake refreshed, and kick your weight loss journey into high gear!

Try Eliminating These Things For Improved Sleep -

Limiting coffee after lunch can be a significant factor when it comes to improving sleep for weight loss. For many, avoiding caffeine during the afternoon and evening hours might be enough. However, others, especially those sensitive to caffeine, can have residual effects within the body for up to 9 hours after consumption. This can make falling asleep very difficult and can even decrease the amount of deep sleep you get. It's also important to remember not to take any medications or supplements with caffeine in the evening as well.

If you're struggling to sleep, making a point to get outside for a few minutes each day could help. Specifically, sunlight and darkness influence our body's circadian rhythm, which control's our internal body clock and sleep schedule. While sunlight can help remind your body that it's time to be awake, the same can be said for darkness. Turning down the lights and staying away from screens for an hour or so before bed can help get your body ready for sleep letting it know it's time to recharge.

Another huge issue that may be hindering your sleep is allergens. No matter what season it is, there are many allergens that could be present inside our homes. These include dust, dander, dust mites, pollen, mold, mildew, and many more. These allergens can negatively impact our health causing us to cough, wheeze, and sneeze, and worst of all, disrupt our sleep. During the day, these symptoms are bad enough. However, when you're trying to get sufficient rest for weight loss, it can become a serious issue.

Allergic reactions and their annoying symptoms can happen during sleep for many reasons. This is especially true for anyone suffering from asthma or MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities). These conditions can exacerbate allergic reactions and make them much worse. Most nighttime allergens come from our surroundings or something we brought into our surroundings. These can range from bedding and sheets that haven't been washed frequently to the detergent you used when washing them.

Tools That Help Combat Allergens & Improve Sleep -

Ensuring you have fresh, clean, hypoallergenic bedding can go a long way to creating the ideal sleep environment. In addition to allergy mattress and pillow protectors, allergy comforter covers, and allergy-friendly detergents, you should also consider what you're putting on your body. For instance, personal care items with perfumes or even the clothes you went outside in could trigger an allergic reaction. Conversely, leaving your windows open, using an air conditioner, and allowing pets inside your bedroom can also bring allergens in where you don't want them.

When it comes to getting a sound and restful night's sleep, allergens are the last thing you want to be worrying about. At National, we offer dozens of allergy solutions to help you create the perfect restful bedroom environment for optimal sleep and weight loss. For example, air purifiers can help remove allergens from the air, while humidifiers help replace soothing moisture loss during wintertime. Additionally, dehumidifiers help reduce mold and mildew and can make sleeping during the summer months more bearable. Furthermore, HEPA vacuum cleaners take allergy reduction a step further by removing dust, debris, and allergens from deep within carpets where they tend to linger.