We are all looking for more ways to lose calories. There is a limited amount of time in the day, so it can be difficult to get more exercise. But the good news is that you can burn calories after you fall asleep. While you sleep, the body goes into restoration mode to slow it down and begin to repair itself, even down to the cellular level. But even though your body and systems slow down, that doesn’t mean your metabolism stops working. You continue to burn calories, which is a bonus for your fitness goals. There are even ways to increase your metabolic activity while you sleep. This just requires a change in your diet and daily routines, and then you can start getting the most out of your metabolism at night. If you’re ready to make the most of your sleep, check out these 10 Ways to Burn More Calories While You Sleep.
eat more tryptophan
Tryptophan is a food ingredient that can make you feel more tired. This amino acid is found in several types of meat and can make you sleep more rested. Sleeping more soundly will help you burn more calories.
Have a cup of tea before going to bed.
Tea is an excellent drink to enjoy just before bed. Teas like chamomile, lavender, or valerian root are good choices to drink before bed to help you relax and unwind. Some teas also help suppress your appetite.
Eat your bread during the day.
If you love bread and eat it often, try scheduling it at lunch instead of dinner. Studies show that complex carbohydrates are better at noon than before bed, so your digestive system doesn’t process carbohydrates while you sleep.
snack light at night
If you’re the type to snack throughout the day, be sure to slow down closer to bedtime. You want to have your stomach as calm and relaxed as possible going into the sleeping hours.
Close the kitchen after hours
Sneaking into the kitchen at any time of night should be something you cross off your list. Set a limit with yourself not to go to the kitchen for a late-night snack after a certain hour.
Try one or two protein shakes
Recent studies have been exploring the benefits of protein shakes in conjunction with sleep patterns. What was revealed is that consuming a protein shake before bed can cause your metabolism to go into overdrive while you sleep.
Smell peppermint essential oil or candles.
While mint can be delicious, the smell of mint has been known to suppress your appetite. Try inhaling a breath of peppermint essential oils or light a peppermint candle before bed.
Lower the temperature in your home to a cooler degree
Research has shown that colder weather can actually make you lose more pounds while you sleep. This is because colder weather forces your body to burn more calories to stay warm.
Get rid of the night lights
It may be the type that uses a night light or an ambient light while you sleep. But this could actually be interrupting your sleep. Try a few nights of total darkness to see if your sleep improves. If so, this can help you sleep more soundly and burn more calories.
Move your devices away from your bed
Smartphones and similar devices are messing with our sleep cycles and our natural abilities to relax. Constantly being interrupted by technology and notifications will guarantee nothing but a horrible sleep. Find a place away from your bed and nightstands to put your phones at night.
