Sleep Deprivation and Weight Gain

People who sleep less than 5 hours a night, are more likely to become overweight or obese compared to those who sleep 7 – 8 hours. Studies show the less you sleep, the more likely you are to be overweight or obese, and the more at risk you are of developing serious medical conditions associated with weight gain and obesity.

The demands of today’s society have shown a steep decline in sleep and a rapid increase in both weight gain and obesity. We are getting less sleep now than a centaury ago, and this decline in sleep has a direct connection between sleep deprivation and weight gain.

If you sleep less than required, over time your body relies and craves foods higher in calories and carbohydrates, which results in weight gain and obesity.

During sleep, your body releases hormones, which control your appetite and insulin levels. These hormones vary according to the quality and quantity of your sleep. Inadequate sleep means you have less control over your cravings, and your insulin and blood sugar levels could reach levels similar to those who suffer from diabetes.

If you want to lose weight, get enough sleep!

The Silent Killers

The more overweight you are, the more at risk you are of developing health related conditions. The risks of being overweight or obese greatly improve your chances of developing

1. Coronary Heart Disease
   As your BMI (Body Mass Index) increases so does the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke
2. High Blood Pressure
   Your chances of high blood pressure increase the more overweight or obese you are
3. Type 2 Diabetes
   Most people who suffer from type 2 diabetes are overweight. This is one of the leading causes of early death, strokes, coronary heart disease, kidney disease and blindness
4. Abnormal Levels of Blood Fats
   Being overweight or obese increases your risks of developing abnormal levels of blood fats (good and bad cholesterol), which increases your risk of coronary heart disease
5. Metabolic Syndrome
   Is linked to being overweight and obese and increases risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes
6. Cancer
   Colon, breast, endometrial and gallbladder cancer risks increase by being overweight or obese
7. Osteoarthritis
   Tissue inflammation, wear and tear on joints and pain all result from the extra weight putting pressure on the joints
8. Sleep Apnea
   Interferes with your quality of sleep, this common disorder results in pauses in breathing or shallow breathing making it harder to breathe
9. Reproductive Issues
   Overweight and obesity can cause menstrual problems such as irregularity, pain and infertility in women
10. Gallstones
    Gallstones and enlarged bladder are all associated to being overweight or obese

Sleep benefits the body’s ability to function, which in turn helps you feel more energetic and active. Following a healthy lifestyle, balanced with physical activity and adequate sleep will greatly lower your risk of serious health problems, aid in your weight loss and add to your sense of wellbeing!

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