All4Fitness article //

Don't Cheat On Your Sleep!

Sleep plays an important role in your health and well-being and unfortunately most of us aren't getting enough. Most healthy adults need between seven and a half to nine hours of sleep per night to function at their best.

Studies have shown that when people don't get enough sleep they:

Have increased levels of a hunger hormone called ghrelin and decreased levels of the satiety/fullness hormone called leptin, which could lead to overeating and weight gain.

Consume about 300 calories a day more than when they aren't well-rested. Overall, most of the extra calories came from high-fat foods.

Snack more and do less physical activity.

Eat more than what is needed to cover the energy cost of staying awake longer, especially at night, which can lead to significant weight gain.

Reduce their fat cells ability to respond properly to the hormone insulin, which is crucial for regulating energy storage and use.