Sleep Deprivation and Obesity

Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between lack of sleep and weight gain / obesity. While sleep requirements vary by individual, the rule of thumb is that adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Anything less can lead to loss of physical and mental health and , yes, to increased weight gain too.

Sleep deprivation can be the result of many factors such as: depression, age, physical activity and excessive worry. However, one of the main causes of sleep deprivation is a medical condition called sleep apnea. This is a disorder where one actually stops breathing for short periods of time while sleeping due to some type of blockage in one's airways.

While anyone can have sleep apnea, it is most prevalent in overweight males. Other causes and risk factors include:

• age can limit the ability of brain signals to keep your throat muscles stiff while sleeping, thus causing the airway to narrow or collapse
  
• family history
  
• throat muscles and tongue relax more than normal
  
• the shape of your head and neck can cause a smaller airway size in the mouth and throat area

Studies indicate that those who suffer from sleep apnea do not experience deep stages of restorative sleep, and thus they tend to gain weight at a higher than normal rate.

Sleep Deprivation and Weight Gain / Obesity

So how does sleep deprivation actually cause you to gain weight? There are a few reasons. Firstly, those that are sleep deprived tend to be less active. Less exercise and movement often results in weight gain because you burn less calories. Less exercise can also cause a loss of muscle mass, which slows the metabolism.

Secondly, chronic sleep deprivation can cause two important hormones in your body, leptin and grehlin, to go haywire.  The hormone leptin works to suppress the appetite. The hormone grehlin works to increase appetite and food intake, and is also believed to regulate weight gain and loss. Chronic sleep deprivation causes increased levels of the hormone grehlin and decreased levels of the hormone leptin. Thus you tend to feel hungrier, and eat more. The end result is weight gain.

If you have been experiencing chronic sleep deprivation, then you owe it to yourself to seek medical attention.  Don't let sleep deprivation sabotage your weight loss efforts. 

Sources:
Lack of Sleep May Lead to Excess Weight, by the Obesity Society, http://www.obesity.org/news/archive/20041116.asp