Are you doing everything right—eating well, moving more, maybe even taking GLP-1 meds after surgery—and still feel exhausted or stuck on the scale? Here’s a truth bomb: if your sleep is off, your immune system weakens, your hunger hormones can be affected, and your weight loss can stall. Before you roll your eyes and think, “I know, I know—I should go to bed earlier,” I want you to hang tight. Because what you’re probably not being told is just how critical sleep is for your immune system, weight regulation, and even your hormones—especially if you’ve had bariatric surgery or are taking weight-loss medications like GLP-1s. I’m cutting through the fluff and talking about the connection between sleep, immunity, and weight. And I’m sharing sleep strategies to help you get some zzzs.

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Show Notes:

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Susan Mitchell discusses the critical role of sleep in overall health, particularly in relation to weight management and immune function. She emphasizes how sleep deprivation can lead to increased hunger and weight regain, especially for those who have undergone bariatric surgery or are on weight loss medications. Dr. Mitchell provides practical strategies for improving sleep quality, including dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes.

Takeaways

• If your sleep is off, your immune system weakens.
• Sleep deprivation means that you're not getting enough sleep.
• The less sleep you get, the more it fuels hunger.
• Sleep improves what's called food restraint.
• Deep sleep helps protect immune system function.
• Regular maintenance during deep sleep keeps your immune system from being compromised.
• Don't give up. Get back on your usual sleep schedule.
• Make the decision that you're going to get more sleep.
• Your brain and your body will love you.
• What can you do to make it dark, to make it cool, and to make it quiet?

Titles

Unlocking the Secrets of Sleep for Better Health

Sound Bites

• "Sleep improves what's called food restraint."
• "Your brain and your body will love you."

Chapters

00:00

The Importance of Sleep for Health

02:58

Sleep, Hunger, and Weight Management

06:09

Sleep and Immune Function

09:13

Strategies for Better Sleep