Can Lack of Sleep Cause Weight Gain?

Could Lack Of Sleep Be One of the Causes Of Your Unwanted Weight Gain?

Could your lack of sleep be causing you to gain those extra-unwanted pounds?

There are many factors that can cause you to gain weight. Lack of sleep is one such risk factor.

There have been many studies confirming the association of sleep deprivation and obesity in both children and adults.

When You’re Tired, You Eat Differently

A recent study by The University of California Berkeley suggests one reason may be the effect lack of sleep has on your brain. The study found that after just one night of sleep deprivation the brain had a heightened response to unhealthy foods, which means you actually experience greater pleasure than you normally, would.

In addition the part of your brain — the frontal cortex — that is responsible for higher thinking and impulse control showed a decreased in activity. So not only do you get greater pleasure from eating unhealthy foods when you’re tired, you also have less control to stop yourself from over-indulging.

Other studies have shown that a lack of sleep increases Ghrelin the hunger hormone which drives you to eat more. Lack of sleep also increases the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol also increases your appetite, and also directs your body to store fat, especially around the middle.

There are many physiologic and psychological reasons that we gain weight when we are sleep deprived. The bottom line, sleep is essential. When you are well rested you make better choices have energy to exercise, feel more positive and think more clearly.

The good news is getting more sleep is a simple cost effective, way to look and feel better and maybe even drop those few unwanted pounds. Try and get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

Treatment of excess weight and prevention of associated diseases requires a multifactorial approach.

Find out about more about my medical weight loss program at the Optimal Wellness Weight Loss Center.

To A Healthier You!
Dr. Betty Keller

Board Certified Obesity Medicine