One of the keys to keeping off extra pounds may be getting proper amounts of shuteye.

Good sleep habits not only leave you feeling alert and refreshed, they also appear to be important to maintaining a healthy weight. Research reveals that sleep loss disrupts certain physiological rhythms, and that these disruptions could open the door to excess weight.

Sleep loss may be a sign of an unbalanced, unhealthy lifestyle, which in turn could interfere with your ability to make good food and exercise choices. People who are tired may be more likely to make poor food choices or skip exercise. Some research also suggests that the body may respond to sleep deprivation by increasing the desire for fuel. Improve your odds of maintaining a healthy weight by adding appropriate amounts of sleep to your diet and exercise habits.

RealAge Benefit: Maintaining your weight and body mass index at a desirable level can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.

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