Dr. Hal, a Neuroscientist, Cuts to the Chase - Vol. 5: Today's Sleep Deprivation, Tomorrow's Obesity!?
Does a sleep-deprived brain suppress satiety hormones? Dr. Haru, a neuroscientist, thoroughly explains the mechanism by which sleep deprivation leads to weight gain. Don't let satiety hormones run wild!
Don't let satiety hormones run wild!
Sleep deprivation worsens energy metabolism, leading to a body that can't lose weight.
It's a known fact that lack of sleep can cause weight gain. So, why does sleep deprivation make you gain weight? Intuitively, you might think it's because staying up late often leads to snacking. In fact, people with short sleep durations are estimated to consume 350-500 extra calories per day compared to those who get sufficient sleep.
However, snacking when you stay up late isn't just about having more opportunities to eat. It's also linked to an actual increase in appetite. When healthy individuals' sleep time is shortened, ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone, increases, while leptin, a hormone that signals satiety, decreases. This makes our brains feel hungry.
But does staying awake longer increase energy consumption? Not necessarily. Sleep deprivation tends to reduce physical activity due to daytime drowsiness and fatigue. Additionally, the secretion of growth hormone decreases, which can lead to reduced energy consumption.
Sleep deprivation not only increases energy intake but also decreases energy expenditure, leading to weight gain. For those on a diet, isn't it good news that getting enough sleep can help you lose weight?
Dr. Haru's Profile:
Haruhisa Okawa
Graduated from the University of Tokyo. Graduated with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Southern California.
Subsequently, engaged in research as a neuroscientist at Washington University for approximately seven years.
Then, in charge of neurological projects at a foreign-affiliated pharmaceutical consulting firm.
Currently works at a foreign-affiliated pharmaceutical company, belonging to the central nervous system division.
View mattresses for improving sleep deprivation
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