The relationship between sleep loss and weight gain is a strong one, and it has been explored in a variety of studies over the years. Large population studies show that both adults and children are more likely to be overweight and obese the less they sleep at night. In smaller, controlled studies, scientists find that when people are allowed to sleep eight hours one night and then half that amount on another, they end up eating more on the days when they’ve had less sleep. One pivotal study at the University of Colorado in March, showed that losing just a few hours of sleep a few nights in a row caused people to pack on an average of about two pounds.
Other studies have found that the underlying effects of sleep deprivation on the body can become pronounced in many ways. The stress hormone cortisol climbs and markers of inflammation rise. Hormones that stimulate appetite increase, while hormones that blunt it drop. People become less sensitive to insulin, raising their risk of Type 2 diabetes... READ MORE...