'I'm a personal trainer – you won't lose weight if you fail to do one thing'

Many are on a constant quest to drop weight, as it's quite common for the number on the scales to fluctuate.

However, one woman has highlighted a simple lifestyle factor that could be hindering your weight loss efforts. Shannon Collins, known on Instagram as thegymnurse, emphasises the importance of sleep when it comes to losing weight.

She insists that regular, quality rest is crucial to see results. According to her, lack of sleep can affect people in several ways, including feeling fatigued during workouts.

On a personal note, she admits to snacking more when she's not well-rested. Additionally, she experiences a dip in mood, becoming "irritated and anxious".

Moreover, she finds herself craving comfort foods because she's "too tired to deal with anything". There are more ways it can impact you than you think.

Shannon shared: "Since I sleep 'pretty well' most of the time, when I don't it's extremely obvious how much of an impact it has on my entire life. I can't imagine chronically feeling like this and thinking it's normal.

"I know many people truly have some medical issues out of their control that impact their sleep. I'm not talking to you. My heart goes out to those of you that are doing everything they can, still struggling and trying to figure things out.

"But the majority of people really just need to go to bed earlier. Stop mindless scrolling or watching TV, because the majority of us can't sleep in any longer. I've been guilty too.

"I'm feeling physically and mentally worn down right now so I'm setting an alarm to go to bed every night because honestly I'm not even really 'feeling tired', but when I lay down I fall asleep."

She added: "Back in 2020 I significantly decreased caffeine and made sleep a huge priority and my body was finally able to put on some decent muscle with food and training. It was a game changer. I also rarely drink alcohol because even one drink will disrupt my sleep and that is rarely worth it to me anymore."

Since opening up about the vital role of sleep, her message has resonated with many, garnering over 1,400 likes and sparking conversations as well. Numerous people chimed in with their personal tales.

One person wrote: "I have cut out my major caffeine intake entirely, and am absolutely floored at how different my sleep has been. Wish I would have done it a long time ago!"

Another said: "Yes! I end up snacking to keep myself awake while working at my computer all day!"

A third also replied: "Sleep deprivation has wrecked my life. I have two special needs children and their sleep is so irregular. I try my best but I firmly believe it led me into a deep depression."