Sleep Less and Gain Weight

According to researchers, being sleep deprived could have a negative effect on your weight. On average, you need 7.5 hours of quality sleep in order for your metabolism to function properly. In addition, the more tired you are during the day, the more likely you are to reach for sugar-laden food and drink products to have a quick energy boost. Empty calories and a malfunctioning metabolism will almost certainly result in weight gain.

There are two hormones at work that explain the relationship between sleep and weight gain: ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin tells your body when to eat and leptin tells your body when to stop eating. When you haven’t received enough quality sleep, you have a higher concentration of ghrelin and a lower concentration of leptin, which adds up to weight gain.

It’s not enough to sleep for 7.5 hours – if you experience pain at night, heartburn, or some other sleep disorder, poor-quality sleep doesn’t allow your body to recharge the way it needs to. Try avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and don’t eat big meals or heavy snacks late at night. Maintain a regular exercise routine and examine your sleeping environment to remove disruptions. If you’re still waking up after a full night’s sleep and feeling tired and sleep-deprived, consult your physician. A sleep study may be able to identify the problem and help you and your doctor create a solution to get a good night’s sleep and avoid weight gain.