Over-40s get sleep advice on weight loss

People approaching middle age who are concerned about putting on a bit of weight have been advised to sleep for longer at night as part of their battle against the bulge.

MSNBC reports that sleep patterns can change as we get older, with women potentially experiencing sleep disturbances or insomnia as a consequence of lower levels of melatonin.

"Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted according to a person's biorhythms," the news portal said.

"Increased levels of cortisol during menopause can interfere with this sleep hormone."

It added that reduced time in bed can result in reduced energy levels and increased irritation, which can make it difficult to exercise.

Additionally, it notes research which shows that people who sleep for five or fewer hour every night have 15 per cent lower levels of leptin, an appetite-supressing hormone, while their levels of hunger-incrasing ghrelin increase by the same amount.

AOL health reports that stage three sleep begins to diminish as people enter middle age, with individuals waking up in bed more often and for longer periods of time.

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