Sleep More, Weigh Less

Studies show an association between reduced sleep and increased body weight. In case you were thinking it, no, this is not simply because you can't eat when you are asleep. Sleep duration appears to play a role in the regulation of the hormones that control body weight and metabolism.

Two of the hormones that control appetite, leptin and ghrelin, are affected by sleep duration. Ghrelin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract and increases appetite. Leptin is produced in the brain cells and sends the signal that you are full. According to a study conducted by Stanford and the University of Wisconsin habitual short sleep increased ghrelin level and reduced leptin level. The study was conducted in 1024 volunteers from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study. Those who slept less than 8 hours had less leptin and more ghrelin, as well as a higher body fat content. There was a U shaped curvilinear association and not a linear one between sleep and body fat so don't try to oversleep just to increase your leptin levels.

Time for me to hit the sack.

References: please see specific links.
Photo: courtesy of Pictures of People.