Everyday Systems

Yes, I've read it a million times....if you get more sleep, you'll stick to your diet better, feel better and it actually helps you lose weight.

I've tried it in the past for a few nights in a row, but I never felt any different, so I figured I might as well stay up later and get stuff done or have some "me time". I have averaged 5-6 hours a sleep for years.

Well, this time I stuck with it for a little over a week. I turned down my time to read, watch a show or catch up on other things. It actually took about 9 or so days of 7-9 hours of sleep per night for me to notice the difference, and it is AMAZING how much better I feel. And yes, I am finding it easier to turn down those snacks and sweets.

Obvious stuff I know, but I guess I just never gave it much of a chance, figuring if I don't feel refreshed after 2 nights of 9 hours of sleep, I'm not gonna. Thought it was my poor diet, not enough water, no exercise, etc. that was causing my sluggishness. (Yes, I have many areas to work on. )

I'm losing "me time", but I'm gaining a much better day each day, so it's worth it. Just that one change has brought so much difference - imagine what more water, better diet and exercise would do?!?!? I'm workin on it, I'm workin on it.

Wow, I'm inspired! I have 4 kids and have been terribly sleep deprived since 1993. I know that when I'm well rested, I don't feel that mid-afternoon snack attack. Its like my body says, "well, if you won't sleep, I guess we need more energy in calorie form". At least that's what I imagine it saying... ha. I know that I have never given it more than a weekend. I think I should try longer. Thanks!

I have four kids as well, and as we all know, during the younger years you have no choice - being sleep-deprived is just a fact a life. However, my youngest is 7 now, so I have no excuse to not get a longer night's sleep. Just wish I would've started this sooner!

Wow! That's great. I have 2 kids, and the youngest one is 1, so I've been sleep deprived for 2 years now. I'll have to try going to bed earlier.

I absolutely agree. I have a 5 month old, and I really notice my wish for sugar / snacks on those days when we've had really crappy nights. I try to remind myself that what I really need is sleep, not sugar.

My friends thinks that was my secret for being thin I get 8-10 hours of sleep. And yes I have a child too. The last time I was deprived of sleep was during my thesis day way back in college. I remember eating a lot of crap that time.

I cannot wait until our little man sleeps 8 - 10 hours in a row! Sounds like heaven to me

Wow! This is really interesting! I too have 4 kids, and have been sleep deprived since 1994 ugg!! I have tried to get extra sleep off and on for years, but only half-heartedly. Like the other mothers here, I too want to get in my "me time" after they go to bed (all the while complaining about how *tired* I am, lol!!).

I am inspired to give this a real try. I would love to actually feel GOOD when I wake up, instead of only half awake!! It shouldn't be surprising that it takes a week or more to start feeling the positive effects since most of us have years of sleep deprivation to make up for, but I never thought that was it, before-just thought I felt lousy!


Thanks for posting this!

I too have 4 kiddos. The importance of good sleep is one thing I learned the 1st time I did NoS. I learned it and it stuck! The difference in how I feel has been amazing! Unfortunately my eating habits are taking a longer time to stick. Let's see? I wonder how much better I would feel if I could stop my children from bickering?!

ZippaDee wrote: Let's see? I wonder how much better I would feel if I could stop my children from bickering?!

Unfortunately, I don't think that ever completely stops, though (in my limited experience) it does get better.

Jaxhil wrote: "Habit, if not resisted, soon becomes necessity."-St Augustine

love that!

Wow.....last night was the first time in a while that I got only about 5-6 hours of sleep. All day long I've been dragging, snacking and not productive at all. It's just like dieting I guess..........you can work and work and FINALLY lose weight, but then gain it back 4 times as fast as you lost it!! It only took me one night of little sleep to feel like I did before my marathon of ideal sleeping. ISH - I'm getting more sleep tonight!!

Wish I felt like I was in control of that. Even if I go to bed earlier, it doesn't guarantee I'll sleep through the night. But it's a nice idea.