The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Weight Loss

You may have heard that sleep deprivation negatively impacts your health. Sleep is essential for physical and mental recovery, as well as memory consolidation. Numerous studies have shown that insufficient sleep affects various aspects of health, but this article focuses specifically on how lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain. Read on to learn more.

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation causes the following. Let's look at them one by one!

• Increased appetite
• Reduced insulin sensitivity
• Weight gain

The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation and Appetite Hormones

Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones that play crucial roles in regulating appetite.

• Leptin: suppresses appetite
• Ghrelin: increases appetite

Numerous studies have shown that sleep deprivation reduces leptin levels and increases ghrelin levels. As a result, appetite increases, raising the risk of overeating.

According to a study by Shahrad Taheri et al., individuals who slept for 5 hours had 15.5% lower leptin levels and 14.9% higher ghrelin levels compared to those who slept for 8 hours . This led to increased appetite and a higher risk of overeating.

Fig1. Leptin and ghrelin work

Fig2. Leptin and ghrelin function (sleep deprivation)

• Insulin: a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by converting glucose into energy.

When insulin sensitivity decreases, your body becomes less efficient at converting glucose into energy, leading to higher fat storage and an increased risk of obesity.

Sleep deprivation has been shown to reduce insulin sensitivity, impairing insulin's ability to regulate blood sugar effectively. Consequently, sleep deprivation can contribute to weight gain by promoting fat storage.

Fig3. Insulin work

Fig4. Insulin work (sleep deprivation)

Many studies have shown that sleep deprivation leads to weight gain. For instance, a review by Sanjay R. Patel et al. found that both children and adults who experience sleep deprivation have an increased risk of obesity and weight gain.

• Disruption of appetite-regulating hormones
• Decreased insulin sensitivity leading to increased fat storage
• Quantitative data showing an increase in weight

In conclusion, sleep deprivation disrupts the balance of appetite hormones, reduces insulin sensitivity, and ultimately increases the risk of weight gain. Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy diet and weight management. Thank you for reading this article. We offer a service called Wellness Mons that supports healthy dieting and lifestyle. Please consider using our service for better health.