Many people think that the more you sleep, the more you gain weight.
Well, they’re wrong!!
Data from a study presented on October 23, 2012 in the “American Journal of Physiology” says that sleeping less than 4 hours a day led to increased hunger pangs, increased craving for salty and sweet food and higher intake of fat and carbohydrates.
Sleep affects food preference
The trial involved 27 healthy adults, aged 30-45. One group was allowed to sleep for 9 hours and the other group for 4 hours.
Dr. Ari Shechter, the main author, analyzed the patients’ sleeping patterns, food preference, total caloric intake, metabolic rates and weight changes.
The group with less sleep had less time in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage. REM stage represents complete and restful sleep.
Less time in REM led to more hunger attacks and an increase in caloric intake from carbohydrates and fats.
What affects your sleeping habits?
The results strengthen the fact that sleep is vital to our bodies. Many factors affect our sleeping habits. These may ultimately lead to weight gain and obesity.
To sleep longer and better, review the factors in and around us that may be causing poor sleeping patterns.
- Snoring and choking during sleep may be due to a blocked airway.
- Certain drugs and medications may cause restless sleep.
- Work shifts should allow longer sleeping hours.
- Frequently changing work shifts also prevent the proper adjustment of sleeping habits.
If getting a good night’s sleep can make you lose your excess weight then invest in a good pair of earplugs, eye mask and turn off that beeping sound from your phone.