Did you know that a lack of sleep can cause obesity?
Studies have shown that people who get less than the recommended amount of sleep (typically 7-8 hours per night for adults) have a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese.
One possible explanation for this link is that sleep deprivation alters the balance of hormones in the body that regulate hunger and metabolism.
When a person is sleep-deprived, their levels of the hormone ghrelin increase, which stimulates appetite, while their levels of the hormone leptin decrease, which suppresses appetite.
This can lead to increased hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods.
Sleep deprivation also affects the body's ability to process glucose, which can lead to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Also, people who are sleep deprived are often too tired to engage in regular physical activity, which can also contribute to weight gain.
Another tidbit: chronic lack of sleep can also lead to chronic inflammation, which is another factor that can contribute to weight gain.
It's important to note that lack of sleep is just one of many factors that can contribute to weight gain and obesity, and that a healthy diet and regular exercise are also important for maintaining a healthy weight.
It all starts with a healthy habit, you don’t have to change everything at once. Start by fixing your sleep habits first and ensuring that you’re getting quality sleep every night.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint, let’s take it one step at a time.
