Weight Loss Tips: Sleep Deprivation and Weight Gain
Learn more about today’s weight loss tip; does sleep deprivation cause weight gain?
Many of us probably don’t know that there is a direct correlation between sleep deprivation and weight gain. In fact, recent studies show that a lack of sleep increases the body’s fat stores. So how does sleep deprivation cause weight gain?
The Sleep Research Laboratory (University of Chicago School of Medicine) conducted studies on the correlation between sleeplessness and weight gain. The studies showed that sleep deprivation activates the hypothalamus. In fact, the part of the hypothalamus involved with appetite regulation. Leptin and ghrelin are hormones that regulate the body’s appetite. These hormones work similarly like a seesaw. A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin and Stanford University revealed that participants who slept for 5 hours a night had higher ghrelin and lower leptin levels. This also showed a higher body mass index.
When the hormone leptin is low, we tend to feel hungry and so we eat. Stress also plays a part in the midnight raids. Raiding the fridge in the middle of the night is not exactly for a bowl of Special K, but maybe some chocolate. I know. I’ve been there too. But there is hope since studies are now currently being done on the correlation between an increase in sleep time and weight loss.
by Kristy Haugen
