Lack of Sleep Can Lead to Weight Gain

Sleeping less than seven hours increases hunger

The act of sleeping is important for humans, and more studies are being published on the subject. A recent study conducted in the United States by Ohio University shows that sleeping less than the recommended amount increases the chances of consuming more caloric foods. The scientists observed in the research that the participants did not sleep at least seven hours per night.

According to pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist Jéssica Polese, "generally, seven hours of sleep is the minimum recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for adults," she states. "If an individual sleeps less, or has sleep interruptions and a poor night's sleep, this can affect various actions throughout the day, including increased appetite," explains the specialist.

The brain understands that it needs energy due to the hormones responsible for hunger and satiety, ghrelin and leptin. "Ghrelin induces appetite and leptin reduces the desire to eat. With altered sleep, leptin's functioning is disrupted and the stimulus to eat increases, thus leading to weight gain," explains Jéssica.

Additionally, melatonin - which is produced by the pineal gland found in the brain only at night - is responsible for programming our body for sleep, increasing sleep and decreasing hunger, as well as reducing blood pressure, promoting all the necessary changes for the rest period. "When there is no rest, the body cannot understand whether it is day or night, so the physiology of the day is maintained, which causes hunger and food intake," states the sleep medicine specialist.

"Try to sleep well, for the amount of time that is good for you, and without swapping night for day. If possible, take care of your health," suggests the doctor.