Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- There’s even more evidence that a good night’s sleep is good for you. Turns out, losing sleep can mean gaining pounds.
Nearly one-third of Americans report getting less than six hours of sleep per night and over 35 percent of Americans are obese.
A study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests there may be a connection. Reviewing previous studies, researchers have examined the effects of “partial sleep” – defined as four to six hours of sleep a night – on hormone levels in the blood and on hunger levels and eating habits. They found that partial sleep deprivation may cause you to:
- Eat more overall
- Put you at risk of over-eating in the evening
- Increasing your intake of foods high in dietary fat
The authors recommend evaluating sleep patterns and getting enough sleep regularly for those trying to manage their weight.
