Trying to Lose Weight? Get Some Sleep!

Posted By elissa on Apr 20, 2010 | 1 comment

Why so?  Because being sleep-deprived could lead to overeating, according to French researchers.

DIJON, France—Men who do not receive a good night’s sleep may be prone to obesity, according to a new study from the European Centre for Taste Sciences. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found study participants consumed 22 percent more calories with an average calorie increase of about 560 after the short night of sleep.

…In comparison with the eight-hour sleep session, subjects consumed 559 ± 617 kcal (i.e., 22 percent) more energy on the day after sleep restriction (P<0.01), and preprandial hunger was higher before breakfast (P<0.001) and dinner (P<0.05).

The researchers themselves put it down to evolution, although I have a sneaking suspicion that there are simpler reasons for this.  For starters, losing 4 hours of sleep = 4 more hours  of the day to be awake and – potentially – hungry.  In addition, feeling stressed and fatigued from lack of sleep can easily trigger “comfort” food consumption.

So if you’re looking to lose some weight, you might want to plan for a little extra shut-eye. It certainly won’t hurt you, and could possibly help keep cravings in check.