Side-Effects Of Poor Sleep On Weight: Sleep is an essential part of staying healthy. It not only helps your body recover but also plays an important role in managing weight. Poor sleep can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity. Let’s explore how sleep impacts weight and why it’s important to get enough rest. 

Sleep Controls Hunger Hormones

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Manoj Reddy, Bariatric Surgeon, Pristyn Care explained that sleep affects two key hormones that control hunger: leptin and ghrelin. Leptin tells your brain when you’re full, while ghrelin makes you feel hungry. When you don’t sleep enough, leptin levels go down, and ghrelin levels go up. This imbalance makes you feel hungrier, often leading to overeating and weight gain. 

Poor Sleep Increases Cravings 

When you don’t sleep well, your brain craves unhealthy foods, like sugary, fatty, or high-calorie snacks. These foods give quick energy but cause weight gain in the long run. People who don’t get enough sleep are also more likely to snack late at night, adding extra calories. 

Lack of Sleep Slows Metabolism 

Not getting enough sleep can slow down your resting metabolic rate (RMR), the number of calories your body burns while at rest. A slower metabolism means you burn fewer calories, making it harder to lose or maintain weight. 

Sleep and Physical Activity 

Poor sleep makes you feel tired and less motivated to exercise. This leads to a more sedentary lifestyle, where fewer calories are burned, and muscles that support a healthy metabolism become weaker. Over time, this lack of activity can contribute to weight gain and obesity. 

Chronic Sleep Loss and Obesity Risk 

Studies show that adults and children who sleep less than 7 hours a night are at higher risk of becoming obese. Poor sleep doesn’t just affect your weight; it can also lead to other health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. 

Tips For Better Sleep 

good-sleep (7)

How To Get Good Sleep (Image Credits: Canva)

To manage your weight and stay healthy, aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep every night. Here are some tips to improve your sleep:

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule. 
  • Avoid caffeine and screen time before bed. 
  • Create a calm and comfortable sleep environment. 

Why Sleep Matters: Sleep impacts your hunger, metabolism and energy levels. Getting enough rest helps prevent overeating, keeps your metabolism strong, and gives you the energy to stay active. Quality sleep not only supports weight management but also improves overall health and reduces the risk of obesity. Make sleep a priority for a healthier, happier life.

ALSO READ: Do You Usually Wake Up In Middle Of Night? 4 Common Reasons Explained

ALSO READ: Doctor Explains How Obesity Can Increase Risk Of Cancer In Females