November 11, 2024
Psychologist Michael Breus, PhD, makes this case in his book “The Sleep Doctor’s Diet Plan: Lose Weight Through Better Sleep.” There is a well established correlation between reduced sleep hours and higher body mass index. Breus is one of many who say the relationship between low sleep and high weight is causal. His research suggests that low sleep triggers the body to build bigger energy stores in an attempt to manage the longer awake periods. The body accomplishes this, in part, through the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that increases appetite. Sleep deprivation also triggers increased production of ghrelin (the hormone that signals hunger) and decreases release of leptin, the hormone that tells the body it is full. In short, sleep deprivation causes the body to demand more energy.
One can see the extent of the problem when also considering the sleep deprivation research out of the Colorado Nutrition Obesity Research Center. They found that sleep-deprived people burn 2,600 calories per day, just like people with good sleep patterns. However, sleep-deprived people averaged 300 more calories consumed per day. Only 3,500 calories causes a pound of weight gain. By that math, each month of poor sleep could add close to 6lbs to a person.
It appears that maintaining a healthy weight is just one more good reason to get a good night’s sleep.
In reviewing this data, you agree that this is not medical advice and that medical advice should only be heeded after a proper assessment from a licensed healthcare professional.
