There is increasing evidence that shows that chronic sleep deprivation and sleep disturbances could contribute to weight gain. Over the past 40 years the percentage of adults in the U.S. getting less than 7 hours of sleep each night (on average) has risen from 16% to 37%. Could this, along with other environmental and habit factors, be a contributing factor to weight gain in the U.S.?

Studies on sleep deprivation show that people who, on average, get 4 or less hours of sleep each night have higher levels of ghrelin in their blood and lower levels of leptin. Gherlin is a hormone that stimulates appetite and hunger while leptin is a hormone that acts to suppress appetite. Studies have also shown that those who are sleep deprived tend to crave more calorie-dense foods, mostly simple carbohydrates. These combined findings lead many in the medical profession to believe that lack of enough quality sleep could be negatively effecting the waistlines of Americans.

Bottom line, try to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep most nights even if you think your body does not need it. Try to make your sleeping environment as comfortable as possible and maintain a sleeping routine as best as possible. If you have difficulty falling to sleep or staying to sleep consult your physician who can hopefully help you remedy the problem.

Healthy dreams…

(Please consider this post as general information and not medical advice; always follow the advice of your physican.)