If I told you that you could lose weight just by sleeping you would probably think I was insane, but the latest research coming in from top scientists shows us that the amount we sleep does impact on our weight, and that by getting enough sleep, you can actually lose weight.

Sleep affects our hormone levels. Research has shown that people who don’t get enough sleep have high levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and lower levels of leptin, the hormone that tells the brain that you’re full. Lack of sleep also makes you less sensitive to insulin which helps control blood sugar levels.

The result is that by not getting enough sleep, you’ll feel more hungry, less full after a meal, and you’ll burn off up to 20% less calories during the day, all of which could lead to weight gain.

Oversleeping has also been linked to weight gain, so if you want to lose weight, getting 7 to 9 hours sleep per night is generally recommended. Here’s a graphic showing you all the facts regarding sleep and weight loss: