What’s the easiest way to get your postbaby body back? Get some extra zzz’s. New moms who sleep at least seven (as opposed to five) hours a night are significantly less likely to retain baby weight, according to a recent study. Plus, consistent sleep deprivation can result in a release of hormones that stimulate appetite and possibly lead to overeating. “The study strongly suggests that a good night’s sleep may not only provide much-needed stress relief for new
moms, but it may also be an important factor in their well-being,” says lead study author Erica P. Gunderson, PhD, of the Division of Research at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, CA. Though it may seem tough to find those extra snooze hours, you owe it to yourself to try. Gunderson suggests three ways: Sleep when your baby sleeps, grab naps during the day (they count) and solicit help from family. If weight loss and stress busting aren’t motivation enough, consider that increased sleep may also help fight heart disease and diabetes.