Maximizing Calorie Burn While Asleep

While hitting the gym and engaging in intensive workouts are popular ways to burn calories, it’s important to recognize that your body continues to do the work even as you sleep.

During sleep, essential bodily functions like tissue repair and hormonal balance require energy, resulting in the burning of calories without any conscious effort.

Psychology expert Dr. Cassidy Jenkings of Welltech sheds light on the lesser-known aspect of calorie burn during sleep, providing valuable insights on optimizing rest for weight management and overall wellness.

Dr. Jenkins emphasizes that the calorie burn during sleep is determined by one’s basal metabolic rate (BMR), influenced by factors such as weight, age, sex, and overall health. On average, a person weighing 56kg burns around 38 calories per hour of sleep, which is equivalent to the calorie burn of a 30 to 45-minute walk.

However, it’s crucial to note that while sleep contributes significantly to calorie burn, regular physical activity should not be overlooked. Instead, a balanced approach that incorporates both rest and exercise is vital for overall wellness and weight management.

Beyond burning calories, sleep also impacts metabolism. To optimize rest, Dr. Jenkins offers three key tips:

Establish a consistent sleep schedule: Regular sleep and wake times strengthen the body’s natural sleep cycle, support hormone balance, and improve sleep quality.
Create an optimal sleep environment: Sleeping in a cool, dark, and quiet room promotes deeper, more restorative sleep, which is essential for metabolic recovery.
Prioritize physical activity: Engaging in regular exercise, especially resistance training, enhances muscle mass and increases BMR, leading to higher calorie burn during sleep.

Understanding and implementing these strategies can have a substantial impact on both calorie burn and metabolic health, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to wellness.