My weight loss efforts are affecting my sleep. Any tips?

While slimming down to reach a healthy weight is a worthy goal, the fact that your efforts are affecting your sleep is a sign you may need to rethink your approach, says nutritionist and weight loss consultant Kim Pearson. ‘If you suddenly reduce your daily calorie intake too drastically, your blood-sugar level is likely to plummet at night. To stop it from dropping to dangerously low levels, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol, and that’s what jolts you awake.’ To put this problem to bed, she explains, you need to wake up to your diet’s deficiencies. She suggests planning your evening meal with slow energy release in mind, ensuring that, alongside protein, you’re getting enough healthy fats and

fibre. Up your intake of the latter and you’ll promote the release of the sleep hormone melatonin, which has been shown to knock you out up to 20 minutes faster*. If the diet you’re following is overly restrictive, it’s worth having a serious rethink, adds Pearson, who points out that any plan that results in you feeling excessively hungry or low in energy, or promises suspiciously speedy weight loss, should be given a wide berth.