Get up early to slim down

The University of Roehampton in London conducted a survey of more than 1000 men and women about their sleeping habits and attitude to getting out of bed, and the research suggested that early risers are slimmer, healthier and happier than those who hit the snooze button.

Thirteen percent surveyed were early risers who jumped out of bed before 7am even on the weekends, six percent were considered night owls, going to bed late and sleeping in past 9am and the remaining 81 percent were somewhere in-between.

The outcome was that the early risers had the fewest cases of depression and lived healthier lifestyles. As the early bird catches their worm, it was noted early rises were more likely to eat breakfast, which helps raise metabolism to burn extra calories. Worst off were the night owls who reportedly had higher cases of anxiety and depression.

So how do you become one of those 'bounce out of bed, happy and energised' people? Eat a small dinner before 7pm; try to go to bed on an empty stomach so you sleep better and wake up hungry. In the morning take a quick shower and then try to get sixty seconds of sunlight on your face. With daylight saving just around the corner (2am October 2), there is no better time to set your clock back and motivate yourself to get up early with your new slimmer body in mind.

For more tips on slimming down read our gallery Top five flat belly foods.

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