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Less Sleep Can Equal More Weight Gain
It is a fact that Americans and people around the world are
sleeping less than they did just a decade ago. In fact, the trend seems to be
getting worse. While most of us know that sleep deprivation can rob us of
concentration and make us cranky, most do not realize that it can actually lead
to weight gain. Did you know that your hormones play a role in your weight loss
and gain? The hormones called Ghrelin and Leptin are the hormones that can
either cause you to gain or lose weight. Ghrelin stimulates your appetite while
leptin helps to control your appetite. Leptin is your friend as it tells you
when you are full. When you are deprived of sleep, researchers have found that
the production of ghrelin and leptin are affected, and not in a good way!
Researchers concluded that a sleep deficit leads to elevated levels of ghrelin
in your system. So, when you are not getting enough sleep, your body actually
responds by telling you that you are hungrier. Plus, when you do eat it will
take you longer to feel full and satisfied. This is due to the fact that the
amount of leptin hormone in your system has decreased. This wreaks havoc on
your waistline as you eat more and more to feel full. Don't think ghrelin and
leptin hormones play a significant role in your weight fluctuation? Think
again. There is a link between lack of sleep and obesity. This link was found
by researchers at Stanford University and the University of Wisconsin. The
polls tell it all. A little over 6 out of 10 Americans state that they don't
get 8 hours of sleep each night. Also, a little over 6 out of 10 Americans are
over weight. (Source: usatoday.com, 12/06/2004). The link is to close to
ignore. Now some people might be tempted to conclude that being up longer
should mean that you are burning more calories. While this is true, the urge to
snack and eat something during the hours that we should be in bed is greater
because of the increased production of ghrelin. Plus, since we consume more due
to decreased levels of leptin, the calories burned by being awake are more than
replenished by the food we eat. Sleeping is a better option also because we
burn 60-65% of all calories while we are getting shut eye. Since the smaller
majority of calories are burned while awake we should get to bed. Note: There
are exceptions to this rule. Do you think the majority of Americans would agree
that weight gain is a result of lack of sleep? Probably not. They need to look
at the obesity and lack of sleep link and may make the connection. Getting
quailty sleep on a daily basis should be at the top of your to-do list. Be wary
of making this a New Year's resolution because you most likely will not get
much sleep on New Year's Eve. If you are diligently following your diet and
your belt still won't budge then focus on your sleep habits. More sleep will
help you feel rejuvenated and lighter! It is very possible that the reason why
so many of us fail with our New Year's Resolutions to lose weight is because we
continue to not get enough sleep night after night. If you are having trouble
seeing results from your diet, ask yourself if you are getting enough sleep and
find a way to get more. You will not only feel more refreshed, you may also
feel slimmer in the process!
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Peter Kilpton is the chief writer for, and editor of
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