Sleep Longer to Lose Weight

by Lashell Hoover | More from this Blogger

22 Feb 2007 06:06 PM

There are twenty-four hours in a day; seven or eight of those hours should be spent sleeping. Research shows that lack of sleep could result in weight gain. There are two hormones that we need to consider when we deprive ourselves of adequate sleep. These hormones are leptin and ghrelin. The hormone leptin is produced by fat cells. It helps with appetite suppression and burning stored fat. The hormone ghrelin is produced by cells lining the stomach. Ghrelin helps stimulate the appetite. Now that we know the function of these hormones, we can take a look at some research about sleep deprivation and weight gain.

Professor Francesco Cappuccio, of the University of Warwick's Warwick Medical School, performed a study of more than 28,000 children and 15,000 adults. The results showed that all participants had nearly double the risk of obesity. Why? Fewer hours of sleep produces ghrelin which increases appetite. If ghrelin levels are high then leptin levels are low. With time, there would be an increase in body mass index and waist expansion.

In a study conducted by Eve Van Cauter, a professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, twelve men in their 20s were told to get four hours of sleep for two consecutive nights. The men reported having increased appetites. Their leptin levels had decreased by 18 percent and their levels of ghrelin had increased by 28 percent (causing cravings).

In another study, Dr. Shahrad Teheri and his colleagues at Bristol University examined information from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort. The Wisconsin Sleep Cohort had studied the sleep habits of more than a thousand volunteers for 17 years. The data suggested that people who averaged about five hours of sleep each night had a higher body mass index than those who snoozed for eight hours. Furthermore, blood samples showed that those who slept for less than eight hours had high ghrelin levels and low leptin levels which caused the participants to consume extra calories.

There are many reasons why getting a good night's sleep may be difficult. If one of your reasons is that you have a sleeping disorder, please speak with your doctor. You need your rest to increase leptin which will suppress those cravings and burn fat.

Learn more about Lashell Hoover

Lashell Hoover lives in Maryland with her husband, three children, and beloved pets. A former SAHM, she is currently a full-time university student. She enjoys writing, reading, music, art, and life.

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Lisa P (24013) 23 Feb 2007 08:24 AM

This is so true! Thanks for bringing attention to this very serious issue! No matter what I do for diet and exercise, if I don't get 8 hours of sleep per night, I just won't lose any weight.

Now, on the other hand, if I eat right, exercise and actually get a full night's sleep - the number on the scale is guaranteed to drop! Great blog!

Lashell Hoover (470) 24 Feb 2007 07:17 AM

Thanks, Lisa:) I've decided to get at least 7 hours of sleep. I usually get 4-5. Now, I know why I crave sweets when I stay up late. This information will stick with me for a long time.

Ashleigh4383 (5) 24 Feb 2007 12:52 PM

Interesting.. Thanks :D