A MUM of two from Teignmouth is celebrating a benefit she never expected when she joined her local Slimming World group... a full night’s sleep.

Weighing just under 14 stone, Nicola Burgess found her sleep worsening.

She constantly felt exhausted, woke with headaches and struggled to focus, despite getting more than eight hours’ sleep a night. “I knew something had to change,” she says. “I’d tried losing weight on my own so many times, but nothing stuck. When even sleep became a struggle, I realised I needed proper support.”

Nicola joined the Dawlish Slimming World group in March 2025.

At the same time, she was undergoing tests for sleep apnoea.

‘When I researched sleep apnoea, one of the best treatments was weight loss,’ Nicola said.

‘So I decided to give Slimming World a real go’, she added.

The impact was almost immediate.

‘My snoring reduced, the headaches eased and I started waking up naturally without an alarm.

‘I finally felt refreshed. I even had the energy to join a gym, and now I go three times a week’.

Five months later, and nearly two stone lighter, Nicola received the news she’d hoped for: she no longer needed a CPAP machine.

To date, she has lost 2st 6lbs and says she feels better than she has in years.

Her experience mirrors Slimming World’s ‘Snooze More to Lose More’ survey, which asked more than 3,000 members about their sleep habits.

Nearly half of those who lost 15% or more of their body weight reported better sleep, with improvements increasing the more weight members lost.

Nicola says the support she found in group was key.

‘Walking in for the first time, I was nervous, but everyone was so warm and welcoming.

‘The atmosphere made such a difference.

‘The private weigh-ins give me accountability, and the encouragement gives me confidence.

‘I look forward to group every week – it’s not just about the scales, it’s the sense of community.”

She’s also rediscovered her love of cooking.

‘Before I lost weight, even simple things left me aching.

‘Now I move more, hurt less and enjoy being active.

‘I am no longer tempted by high-fat, high-sugar foods because I finally have the energy to plan ahead.

‘I couldn’t believe I could lose weight while still enjoying my favourite meals – just cooked in a healthier way. My family love them too’.

Claire, Nicola’s Slimming World Consultant in Dawlish, says watching Nicola transform has been inspiring.

‘When she joined, she was exhausted and struggling to sleep. After losing over 2st, the change is remarkable.

‘She’s sleeping soundly, waking with real energy and embracing a healthier, more active lifestyle.

‘I am incredibly proud of everything she’s achieved’.

Nicola agrees the benefits go far beyond the scales.

‘Life feels lighter now – physically and mentally. Losing weight has given me my energy back. I sleep better, I’m more active and I feel like myself again’.

For more information, or to find your nearest group, visit SlimmingWorld.co.uk or contact Claire 07882758048