Bad Sleeping Habits That Could Lead To Weight Gain, Expert Says

Gaining weight can be incredibly frustrating, and attempting to lose extra pounds can be even more daunting. It's important to incorporate some solid exercise into your daily routine and be mindful of your calorie intake. But did you know that there are some bad sleeping habits you're doing that could lead to weight gain? Read on to learn the few things you may be doing at night that are working against your overall health and fitness, and some changes you'll want to make as soon as possible. And next, be sure to check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

Getting less than 6 hours of sleep each night

woman looking stressed at alarm clock when waking up in the middle of the night — Shutterstock

Ready to wind down after a long, exhausting day? Before you do, we spoke with Dr. Juan Rivera, MD to discuss bad sleeping habits, and he gave us tips on several evening routines to quit when it comes to putting on extra weight.

There's definitely a connection between not having enough sleep and negative variations in your metabolism. Studies actually indicate that a lack of sleep is associated with obesity. According to Mayo Clinic, it can have to do with the fact that the amount of shuteye you have—or don't have—can affect two types of hormones in your body, leptin and ghrelin, which control hungriness.

Rivera cautions it's important to not have less than 6 hours of sleep each night. Anything less than that amount of time is linked to weight gain. So if you're not getting a solid 6 hours or more of rest, it could be the reason why your scale is moving up.

Going to sleep right after eating

woman eating in bed before going to sleep — Shutterstock

Another bad habit you may have developed is the time you sit down to eat at night. It's a great idea to enjoy your meal on the earlier side, well before you cozy up in bed.

Rivera cautions that heading for your pillow right after dinner has two negatives. Not only will it prevent you from burning any of the calories you just consumed, but going to bed just after eating can also trigger acid reflux. This full stomach can cause a chain reaction, as acid reflux can prevent a good night's sleep, which in turn can cause you to gain weight.

Keep in mind, though, that there are some things you can ingest before bed to get quality sleep, like a sleep supplement. Santo Remedio's Sleep Formula helps support a great and peaceful night's rest, complete with melatonin, camomille, and valerian root.

Having a nightcap

woman drinking wine and reading in bed — Shutterstock

Last but not least, although it may be difficult, it's really important to skip enjoying a nightcap. As tempting as it may be to relax and unwind after a long, full day's work, having a glass of wine or your favorite alcoholic beverage may just be giving your body empty calories. Rivera tells us, "Even though it might induce sleep, it worsens the quality of it."