Body Mass Index (BMI) is a method for measuring relative body fat according to your height and weight. A normal range is 20-25 kg/m^2 with anything above or below that being considered unhealthy.
So how is BMI related to sleep?
According to several studies, poor sleeping habits can adversely affect the amount of body fat present in women – sleeping too much or too little will result in a higher BMI than if you get a good night’s sleep. Also, the time that you wake up in the morning, if inconsistent, can contribute further to overall body fat. Here are three tips to helping lower your BMI:
- Get 6.5 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Needs will vary based on the individual, but this range is proven to be associated with lower body fat in women.
- Wake up within an hour of the same time every day. Not only will it help your circadian rhythm normalize, but it can also fight off those preventable pounds that seem to appear overnight.
- Get a good night’s sleep! It won’t matter how many hours you get each night, nor if you wake up consistently in the morning unless you are getting sleeping well. Eliminate any sources of distraction or noise that can prevent you from falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.
If you follow those three tips, you are guaranteed to lower your BMI!
