Sleep Deprivation and Weight

We all get the same 24 hours in a day. Yet it seems many of us pride ourselves on cramming as much as we possibly can into these 24 hours, often at the expense of sleep. When we factor in working, maintaining a family life, keeping in touch with friends, running errands, and pursuing our hobbies, interests and favorite activities, sleep may not seem all that important. But a recent documentary, Sleepless in America, opened my eyes to just how dangerous lack of sleep can be. And you may be surprised at just how much sleep, or lack thereof, can affect your weight. Consider these sobering sleep facts:

• Lack of sleep is associated with an increased risk for obesity and diabetes.
• One study found that sleep-deprived subjects consume 500 more calories a day than people who get adequate sleep.
• When we don’t get enough sleep, two appetite-regulating hormones are affected which can have a negative impact on our waistlines.
• Research has found that sleeplessness can lead to an increased appetite for fatty or carbohydrate-rich foods.
• A study reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that just four nights of less sleep made fat cells less sensitive to insulin—this is a metabolic change associated with diabetes and obesity.

When it comes to managing weight, nutrition and exercise seem to grab all of the attention. But if you’re also not paying attention to how much sleep you’re getting, it might be time to wake up.