Take a Minute and Think… Are You Sleeping Enough?
Sleep is becoming a hot topic these days — with all the sleep apps, alarms that mimic sunrise, and calming playlists floating around. But here’s the thing: getting enough quality sleep is not just a luxury. It can affect your weight, your mood, and even your mental health. Especially for us Nigerians living in the UK, balancing work, family, and community life — sleep often gets pushed to the side.
But let’s break it down…
How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Weight Loss? 🤔
When you don’t sleep well, your body goes into hunger mode:
-
You produce more ghrelin – the “I’m hungry” hormone
-
You produce less leptin – the “I’m full” hormone
-
You may crave sugary or fatty foods (hello, puff-puff and chin chin at 11pm!)
-
Your body doesn’t process insulin properly, making it harder to feel full and burn calories
In short: less sleep = more hunger + slower metabolism = weight gain.
So What’s Really Going On While We Sleep? 🧠
Your sleep is regulated by:
-
🕰️ Circadian rhythm: This is your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. It responds to light and darkness. At night, when it’s dark, your brain releases melatonin, helping you wind down.
-
⏳ Sleep pressure: From the moment you wake up, your body builds pressure to sleep. After a good night’s rest, this resets.
Sleep does more than just rest your body. It:
-
Reboots your immune system
-
Helps you manage stress and emotions
-
Repairs the body
-
Regulates hormones and boosts metabolism
Why You Might Not Be Sleeping Well 😬
Here are some common things affecting sleep — and yes, some of them may hit close to home:
-
Caffeine (especially late-night coffee or Coke)
-
Jet lag (for those who travel home to Naija often)
-
Stress and worry (bills, job, immigration concerns)
-
Less physical activity (especially during the cold UK months)
-
Unstable blood sugar
-
Alcohol or heavy meals late at night
-
Too much screen time before bed (TikTok, WhatsApp, Netflix)
We All Have Different Sleep Needs 🛌🏽
Not everyone needs 8 hours. Some people are morning birds (early chronotype), others are night owls (late chronotype). Know your own body!
-
If you perform better early in the day — respect that.
-
If you’re more alert in the evening — plan your work around that when possible.
Understanding your chronotype can help you make the most of your energy — and reduce stress.
Do You Need to Sleep Better?🕵🏽♀️ Let’s Do a Quick Check
Ask yourself:
✅ Do you need an alarm to wake up every day?
✅ Do you sleep in long hours on weekends to “catch up”?
✅ Are you always tired, moody or snapping at people?
✅ Do you take naps during the day?
✅ Is your energy tied to coffee or energy drinks?
If you said yes to most — your sleep needs attention.
Next Steps for You, Naija Fam 🇳🇬❤️
Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore practical ways to boost your sleep naturally. From lifestyle tweaks to bedtime routines that suit our unique culture and schedules here in the UK.
Remember: Weight loss isn’t only about food and exercise. Sleep is a silent player — don’t overlook it.
📌 Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. If you’re struggling with ongoing sleep problems, please speak with your GP.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
