Back to Basics: Sleep and Your Hormones

When we think of sleep, we often think about the simple act of getting our 8 hours (or not-so-simple for some of us). But there is so much going on beneath the surface. Aside from allowing your brain to rest and restore, the act of sleeping and your natural circadian rhythm play a huge role in regulating these four major hormones:

-Melatonin, the very thing that helps you sleep

-Growth hormone, which supports bone and muscle development AND metabolism

-Cortisol, which is part of your stress response system 

-Leptin & ghrelin, which help control appetite

It’s no wonder that when we don’t get a solid night of sleep or continue pushing off sleep, we feel groggy, sluggish, have a shorter fuse, and can’t seem to stop snacking. If there is one thing you can do to help your body recover after a stressful day, it’s to prioritize sleep. Do not apologize for the amount of sleep YOUR body needs, either!