Sleep In - And Whittle Your Waistline?
Posted March 20, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Alexandra M. Haller
Section: Her Fitness, Athletics, Her Health, Her News
Most people are aware of how diet and exercise affect their weight, but could sleep be a vital part of the connection as well? New research is showing a strong link between necessary shut-eye and the production of certain hormones that regulate appetite.
“There is a dynamic balance between proper sleep and proper health. Sleep deprivation affects weight and a lot of other things,” said Dr. Patrick Strollo, medical director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Sleep Medicine Center.
It seems that people who sleep less generally tend to weigh more. That was the conclusion of two studies conducted by researchers at the Sleep Disorders Center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia. Their analysis looked at 1,000 men and 1,000 women.
Of course it’s not always clear what the actual link is between sleeping and weight gain. Does sleep shrink your waistline or does being overweight already predispose you to disrupted sleep? “People who are overweight may have less restful sleep due to heartburn, snoring or more serious sleep disorders like sleep apnea or night eating syndrome,” said Dr. Michelle May, author of Am I Hungry? What To Do When Diets Don’t Work.
Strollo also pointed out that “if you cheat sleep, there are a number of consequences, including affecting your hormones, appetite and mood.” When people are sleep deprived, they have less willpower and they might not think as clearly. It’s easy to take the time to make a salad when you’re awake and refreshed; when you’re tired, it’s tempting to grab something less nutritious.
Dr. May advises paying more attention to your food selection when you know you are tired. She also advises taking a short walk to boost your sagging energy levels rather than thoughtlessly heading to the vending machine and looking for a fix with a Butterfinger.
May added that it’s important to remember that “healthy eating, physical activity and sleep are not luxuries, they are necessities.”
To learn more about the sleep studies, click here.