from Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Poor sleep habits, over time, may contribution
to risk of weight gain. Previous research from
Sweden showed that a single night of total
sleep loss increased levels of hunger in a
group of young volunteers, as well as reduced
levels of energy expenditure. A new study in
the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &
Metabolism examined areas of the brain in
appetite sensation. Using functional magnetic
resonance imaging, researchers at Uppsala
University showed after a night of total sleep
loss volunteers had a high level of activation in
an area of the brain that is involved in a desire
to eat compared to results after a night of
normal sleep by the same volunteers. Lead
author Christian Benedict says since
insufficient sleep is a growing problem in our
society, the study may explain why poor sleep
habits can affect risk of weight gain. He says it
may be important to sleep about eight hours
every night to help maintain stable and
healthy body weight.