The 'Sleeping Beauty diet': the dangerous fad diet with serious side effects
Avoid this 'diet' completely.

We all know we need our ‘beauty sleep'.
Whether it's to give us the strength and energy we need for the day ahead, or to recuperate from the day before (or both, as it should be) - getting a good night's sleep can improve our physical health, lower our stress levels and improve our memory.
Plus, we're all in a better, brighter mood after a good night's sleep, rather than when we're sleep deprived!
Given how vital it is to our wellbeing, it's also no surprise that doctors have widely found that getting a good night's sleep is also key to losing weight.
MORE:Can the Ketogenic Diet help you lose weight? We debunk the high-fat diet myths
Psychologically, it has been proven that when we're tired we want to eat more (and more of the bad stuff, such as sugar or unhealthy fats), in order to attempt to up our energy levels, which won't help us out with our weight loss goals. When we're fully rested, we're likely to be more motivated to follow a balanced diet and exercising regularly too, as we'll have more energy and be less likely to give in to more sedentary behaviours.
However, a worrying diet led by the notion of plentiful sleep has emerged over recent years - the Sleeping Beauty Diet.
What is the Sleeping Beauty Diet - and why is it so dangerous?
It has been reported that people are taking the idea of sleeping for weight loss to incredibly unhealthy extremes, encouraging dieters to sleep for up to 20 hours a day using sleeping pills and sedatives. These dangerous ideas are reportedly being shared by women in pro-anorexia online forums as an extreme way to lose weight.
The idea is that if you're not sleeping, you won't be able to eat anything at all - and as such might not be as likely to put on any weight.
However, doctors are widely warning against using sleeping pills and sedatives to follow the so-called extreme ‘Sleeping Beauty Diet', as using drugs to aid sleep in this way can be highly addictive. In addition, the potential for an overdose is high, meaning that these women are putting themselves in life-threatening situations simply in order to be 'slim'.
Dr. Tracey Wade, a professor at the Flinders University School of Psychology, toldBroadly, ""If people have to rely on medications to produce sleep - particularly [meds] like benzodiazepines, which are addictive - it's putting the person at risk of addiction."
"It's not only getting the body to sleep more than it needs to; they'll also have to use higher and higher dosage levels to get the desired effect."
Linia Patel, a dietician and spokesperson for the British Dietician Association, also explained to Cosmopolitan that the diet isn't even scientifically proven to help people lose weight - in fact, it could do the opposite.
She said, "One study showed that people who slept for 9 – 10 hours a night were 21% more likely to become obese. Oversleeping has been linked to a number of medical problems such as heart disease and diabetes as well as an increased risk of death.”
It's also important to note that any disordered way of looking at eating, such as this, is unhealthy and unsustainable. Food should not be seen as something to deny yourself, in any way - be it with sleep or otherwise. If you find yourself struggling with these kind of thoughts around food, diet, and your body, book in for an appointment with the GP as soon as possible, as they can find you help to deal with your anxieties and concerns.
-
-
The messy bun is having a moment - here's how to perfect this classic style at home
There's more to a messy bun hairstyle than you may think
By Fiona McKim •
-
Shoppers say these high-waisted leggings are the softest they've ever owned — and they're now 45% off on Amazon
With over 50,000 reviews, these fan-favorite leggings tout a laundry list of bragging rights — here's why they belong in your closet
By Dominique McIntee •
-
What is tinnitus and how can it affect your health?
Plus, treatments to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
By Amy Hunt •
-
Fitness for women – 5 ways to boost motivation and enjoy exercise
Our health guru, Annie Deadman, makes fitness for women achievable, fun and simple...
By Lucy Gornall •
-
An expert guide to cancerous moles and the skin cancer signs that should raise your suspicions
Itchy, raised or bleeding moles? Spotting the signs that could save your life…
By Faye M Smith •
-
Yoga for weight loss - why it works, when to practice and the three moves you need to know about
Want to stretch and slim? Then it's time to try yoga for weight loss...
By Rose Goodman •
-
How to be happy in nature – boost your mood instantly by going outside
Learning how to be happy is easier than you think. Try these simple tips to stay mentally strong
By Ali Horsfall •
-
Research reveals that 14.5% of women feel menopause is affecting their sex lives
New research has revealed that 14.5% of women feel that menopause is affecting their sex lives
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
Your most Googled sleep problems solved: from insomnia and night sweats to the best positions to stop pain
Sleep problems wreaking havoc with your wellbeing? We asked the experts the questions that are keeping you up at night...
By Rose Goodman •
-
The best sleep teas for relaxing at bedtime
Sleep teas can help relax your body and mind for a better night's rest
By Aleesha Badkar •