An average adult needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep. But do most people get this much sleep? In our hurried world with constant engagement via social media most people are not getting adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can have unhealthy consequences for the body. Studies show that sleep deprivation often leads to weight gain.

Lack of sleep seems to be related to an increase in hunger and appetite. According to a 2004 study, people who slept less than six hours a day were almost 30 percent more likely to become obese than those who slept seven to nine hours. Recent research has focused on the link between sleep and the peptides that regulate appetite. Ghrelin stimulates hunger and leptin signals satiety to the brain and suppresses appetite,  Shortened sleep time is associated with decreases in leptin and elevations in ghrelin. Not only does sleep loss appear to stimulate appetite. It also stimulates cravings for high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods. Ongoing studies are considering whether adequate sleep should be a standard part of weight loss programs.

Another issue with lack of sleep impacts our skin. Most people have experienced sallow skin and puffy eyes after a few nights of missed sleep. But it turns out that chronic sleep loss can lead to fine lines, and dark circles under the eyes. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol. In excess amounts, cortisol can break down skin collagen, the protein that keeps skin smooth and elastic. Sleep loss also causes the body to release too little human growth hormone. As we age, human growth hormone helps increase muscle mass, thicken skin, and strengthen bones. It’s during deep sleep that human growth hormone is released.

If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep you may want to consider a natural sleep aid remedy. SleepWorks® helps produce sound and restful sleep on occasional sleepless nights to help you awaken refreshed. The key ingredients in this product are; Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Magnesium, Zinc, Valerian, Passion Flower, Lemon balm, Hops, Melatonin  and  GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid).  This product helps you to naturally relax and get to sleep more rapidly. Niacin contributes to calming the body and magnesium is also known to aid in addressing sleeplessness. Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since the time of ancient Greece and Rome and is associated with stress relief.  Passion Flower has also traditionally been used as a calming botanical, lowering the activity of some brain cells and providing a relaxed feeling. Lemon balm and Hops are known to help reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced within the body and is involved in a complex process that regulates the body’s circadian rhythm. GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, has been proven to be effective in improving sleep cycles because of its ability to bring calm and rest to bodily functions.

So add adequate sleep to your health goals and you might just shed a few extra pounds and have beautiful glowing skin!

*Please consult your doctor before using SleepWorks® and DO NOT use if pregnant or nursing or under the age of 18.*

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Source=WebMd “10 things to hate about sleep loss” viewed April 8, 2015. Source=AdvoCare “Sleepworks” reviewed April 9, 2015.