Can Lack of Sleep Cause Weight Gain

July 20, 2024 Off By Nick Quincey

A sleepless night is a hardship that everyone has experienced. Could those late nights be contributing to more than just a hazy and cranky mood? Yes, and you might be surprised by the reasons. The link between sleep loss and obesity is intriguing, so let’s investigate it further.

Disarray in the Hormonal Orchestra

When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies experience hormonal disruptions. The hunger hormone ghrelin is increased, leading to an increased desire for sweet, high-calorie snacks. At the same time, the hormone leptin, which is in charge of making you feel full, drops dramatically. Overeating and a lack of fullness are the results of this vicious cycle.

Metabolic Mischief

When we sleep, our bodies are able to heal and rejuvenate. However, our metabolism slows down when we don’t get enough sleep. Because of this, gaining weight becomes easier as our body burns less calories overall.

Carrots Aren’t Always What You’d Expect

When we sneak into the fridge at night, it’s usually for cookies and chips, not carrot sticks. Our ability to resist the temptation of harmful comfort foods increases when we are fatigued. Furthermore, sleep loss increases cortisol, a stress hormone, which in turn increases appetites for fatty and sugary foods.

Key Takeaway

Getting enough sleep is important for more than just feeling refreshed; it also plays a key role in controlling one’s weight. Strive for a solid seven to eight hours of sleep nightly. Put down the phone, turn off the computer, and read a calming book before bed.

Make sure you stick to a regular sleep pattern. Resting your body can do wonders for your mood and, who knows, maybe even your weight. Thus, may you have restful nights as you work toward a healthy self!