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The Dream Diet
Scientific Evidence that Dreaming Can Make You Thinner

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, October 2, 2008 – Twenty years ago, people would have called Dr. John Spencer Ellis a charlatan.  Today, science backs up his Dream Diet with page after page of proof that better sleep, and hence better dreaming, leads to a thinner body.

The average human needs 8.3 hours of sleep per night, but only gets 6.9 hours.  Aside from the short term affect of fatigue from less than adequate sleep; sleep-deprived people suffer long term affects of insulin resistance, obesity, stimulant abuse and an increase in cancer and diabetes.

We have always been told that to lose weight wisely, we must eat in moderation and exercise on a regular basis.  This, by and large, is still so.  Obviously, there are individual interpretations of ‘moderation’ and ‘regular’.  In addition to these words of wisdom, consumers are told to “get quality sleep”.  What does this mean and how do you get it?  Quality sleep is long enough in duration and allows for gentle and appropriate transitions in the levels of sleep. The dream Diet is all about your hormones.

Growth Hormone (GH) is released by the pituitary gland and is primarily released during your deepest levels of sleep. GH is responsible for lean muscle and body fat regulation.

Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland is allows you to get the deepest sleep.  It also helps those with metastatic cancer and it improved Immunity.  If taken as a supplement, a dosage of .3 mg if used regularly and 2.5 – 3 mg for short durations is suggested.
And, as an FYI, beta blockers (blood pressure meds) & NSAIDs suppress natural melatonin production.  The hormone ghrelin stimulates your appetite.  If you lack quality sleep, ghrelin secretion is increased (prompting you to eat more). Leptin is a protein of 167 amino acids and manufactured in fat cells.  It creates satiety (a full feeling).  When you lack sleep, you secrete less leptin, so you want to keep eating. And cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands.  It is a stress hormone that allows for additional fat deposits primarily around the mid-section.  Lack of sleep causes a “general” stress in the body.

Quality sleep can be accomplished in a few easy steps.  First, create a ritual which allows you to easily transition into a relaxed state (mediation, bath, reading). Make your bedroom as dark as possible.  This allows for the cascade of proper hormonal changes.  Avoid alcohol 3 hours before bed.  It may help you go to sleep, but it will interfere with deep and continuous sleep.  Avoid caffeine after noon for obvious reasons.  Do not exercise within 3 hours of going to bed (sex in okay).  Avoid napping when possible.  If you do nap, make it short in duration and early enough in the day.  In addition, remove most electronics (if not all) from your bedroom.  They are distractions, put off light, and science shows that their low-level electronic field decreases melatonin production.

So, exercise and proper nutrition are an essential to good health and proper body weight.  Deep quality sleep may be the missing link in attaining your perfect body weight.  Dr. Ellis has additional information on his Dream Diet techniques at http://www.spencerbroadcasting.com where you can watch his free online video presentation.

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Editor’s note: John holds two bachelors degrees (business & health science), an MBA, and a doctorate in education. He also completed doctoral level studies in naturopathy. He holds fifteen certifications including massage therapy, plyometrics, self-defense, fitness kick boxing, fitness boxing, nutrition coaching, water fitness, exercise rehabilitation, golf conditioning, Pilates, personal training, clinical hypnotherapy, sports hypnosis, PACE circuit training and yoga. John is a member of the American Sleep Association, National Sleep Foundation, and the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine. He holds a 2nd degree black belt in kung-fu, completed the Ironman triathlon, and finished 5th at the U.S. National Biathlon Championships.  His medical training includes a license in radiological technology, a medical assisting certification, and training in McKenzie rehabilitation. He has specialized training in ropes course facilitation and corporate teambuilding. John was nominated for the California Community College Distinguished Alumni Award.