Well it’s not quite that simple, but researchers have discovered an exciting link between sleep and the hormones which influence our eating behaviour.
Sleep research has shown that people who sleep less than 6 hrs produce more of a hunger-inducing hormone and less of a hormone that balances your metabolism.
Lack of sleep can increase overeating.
Researchers from several separate studies have proved a definite link between sleep and these hormones that influence our eating habits. There are two specific hormones are involved. Ghrelin, which is responsible for feelings of hunger and Leptin, which tells the brain when we’re full and it’s time to stop eating.
When don’t get enough sleep, your ghrelin levels increase and at the same time your Leptin levels decrease. The result is an increased craving for food and not feeling full.
Add the fact that sleep deprived people tend to chose different foods to snack on—mainly high calorie sweets, salty and starchy foods. When we understand this, it’s not difficult to see that not getting enough ‘shut eye’ can cause a big problem. Yes, continued lack of sleep can lead to hormone changes that will not only sabotage your weight loss efforts, but could also lead to long-term weight gain.
So come on folks, make sure you get enought 'shut eye' 7 - 8 hours minimum for most of us to stay healthy and help shed the pounds.
