The surprisingly sexy science of getting your 7–9 hours
Let’s be honest: we all want to feel amazing in our bodies, think clearly, eat better, lift heavier, look hotter, make more money, and actually enjoy our lives.
And guess what?
One of the most powerful ways to do that is… drumroll, please…
SLEEP.
I know, I know- sleep doesn’t sound as flashy as a new workout program or a sparkly greens powder.
But here’s the truth: if sleep came in a bottle, it’d be a bestseller.
Because getting consistent, high-quality sleep is the real “magic pill” that makes everything else easier.
(And bonus- t’s free.)
Let’s break it down.
1. Sleep Helps You Lose Fat - Not Just Weight
If you’re trying to lose weight and your sleep is trash, you’re basically trying to drive a car on two flat tires.
A landmark study in Annals of Internal Medicine found that when people cut calories but didn’t get enough sleep, more than half of the weight they lost came from muscle - not fat.
But when they slept well? The majority of the weight loss came from fat.
In other words:
Sleep = body composition game changer.
2. Sleep Regulates Your Hunger Hormones
Ever noticed how everything looks like a snack when you’re sleep-deprived?
That’s not a lack of willpower - that’s ghrelin and leptin (your hunger and fullness hormones) going rogue.
Research from the University of Chicago found that just one night of poor sleep increases ghrelin (the “I’m hungry” hormone) and decreases leptin (the “I’m full” hormone).
Translation: your cravings spike, your fullness cues disappear, and suddenly that whole bag of chips is gone.
3. Sleep Boosts Your Brainpower (and Decision-Making Muscles)
Kristen (you know her—smart, successful, exhausted) leads a team at work, makes 100+ decisions a day, and still has to figure out dinner at night.
Without enough sleep, her brain feels foggy, and even small decisions feel overwhelming.
Studies show that sleep improves cognitive function, working memory, and executive decision-making.
(So you don’t have to stand in front of the fridge wondering why you opened it in the first place.)
Plus, well-rested you?
She’s the one who sticks to her workout plan, chooses veggies over vending machines, and has the patience to not reply to that passive-aggressive email with an all-caps meltdown.
4. Sleep is the Ultimate Beauty and Performance Hack
Forget 3-step serums and overnight peels—real glow comes from rest.
During sleep, your body releases growth hormone, which helps repair cells, build muscle, and yes, keep your skin looking radiant.
That’s why it’s called “beauty sleep,” not “barely made it through the night” sleep.
And if you’re lifting weights or pushing your body? Recovery happens while you snooze.
No sleep = no gains.
5. Sleep is a Confidence Booster (With Zero Side Effects)
A study in Sleep Health journal found that better sleep quality is directly tied to higher self-esteem and improved mood.
You literally feel better about yourself when you sleep well.
And honestly?
When you feel better, you do better.
You show up to workouts with energy.
You get through your workday without wanting to throat punch someone.
You feel sexy, clear-headed, and grounded.
All because you chose to go to bed.
So... How Do You Actually Get Better Sleep?
I’m not gonna leave you hanging. Here are a few ENJOY-approved, zero-fluff tips:
1. Create a bedtime routine you actually look forward to.
Think: candles, lavender oil, a chapter of a juicy book.
(Scrolling your ex’s Instagram does not count as winding down.)
2. Shut down screens 30-60 minutes before bed.
Blue light messes with your melatonin like that one friend who keeps suggesting tequila shots after midnight.
3. Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet.
Basically, make it a cave—but with cute sheets.
4. Cut off caffeine after 2pm.
No, your 4pm matcha is not “different.”
5. Wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends.
I know. I don’t love this one either. But your body does.
Final Thoughts: Be the Woman Who Sleeps
Be the woman who protects her rest like it’s her power source—because it is.
Because tired you is cranky, indecisive, and running on fumes.
But well-rested you?
She is clear. vibrant. unstoppable.
And way more fun to be around.
So tonight, fluff your pillow like it’s foreplay.
Put your phone to bed like it’s a toddler.
And say this with me: “Sleep is my secret weapon.”
Then? Wake up tomorrow and conquer the damn day.
ENJOY Challenge:
What’s your go-to sleep tip? Or what's one thing you’ll commit to this week to improve your rest?
Drop it below—we’re building dreamy habits, one badass woman at a time.