Lack of Sleep and Weight Gain Link
Written By: Nurses Health Study - University of Chicago
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Published - Jun 11, 2008
There is a Link Between Lack of Sleep and Weight Gain
According to study conducted by the Nurses Health Study at the University of Chicago, those who do not get a good night's sleep may be 32% more likely to gain weight or become obese. Researchers found that the lack of sleep adversely affects hormone levels Leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite, and ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite.
Researchers found participates who slept only four hours a night for two nights had an 18% decrease in leptin and a 36% increase in ghrelin, resulting in an 18% increase in appetite. Researchers found this increase in appetite may lead people to eat what is know as the fourth meal and theorize participants are less likely to exercise due to fatigue.