In this episode of the Diet Doctor podcast, we dive deep into one of the most overlooked aspects of health—sleep. We explore how your diet, hormones, and lifestyle choices directly impact sleep quality and why poor sleep can lead to metabolic disorders, weight gain, and even chronic diseases.

We discuss the circadian rhythm, the hormonal effects of sleep deprivation (ghrelin, leptin, and insulin resistance), and how a lack of sleep increases cravings for high-calorie foods. Plus, we break down why quality matters more than quantity when it comes to sleep, and how simple lifestyle adjustments—like food choices, light exposure, and even naps—can radically improve sleep quality.

If you've ever struggled with low energy, poor recovery, or weight issues, this episode will provide practical, science-backed strategies to optimise your sleep and overall health.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction: The importance of sleep as an investment

00:05:00 – How sleep deprivation affects metabolism & cravings

00:10:00 – The link between poor sleep and weight gain

00:15:00 – How to optimise circadian rhythm for better sleep

00:20:00 – The role of hormones: Ghrelin, leptin & insulin resistance

00:25:00 – The ideal sleep duration & why timing matters

00:30:00 – Afternoon naps: A game-changer for recovery

00:35:00 – Nutrition for sleep: The foods that improve rest

00:40:00 – The impact of blue light & how to counteract it

00:50:00 – Final thoughts: Holistic health & the sleep-diet connection

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