Obesity linked with 'Sleep deprivation'?

I've seen topics on obesity cover these issues:

* Lack of Exercise/Inactivity
* Hereditary
* Lack of 'Will Power'
* Hormones/Thyroidal
* Improper Dietary Habits
* Depression
* Etc.

But is there a link between Obesity and Sleep deprivation?

Less sleep could mean more weight

Recent studies suggest that sleep deprivation plays a role in the secretion of appetite-regulating hormones, increasing levels of a hormone that triggers hunger and reducing levels of one that signals fullness.

When we enter into R.E.M. sleep (deep sleep) this is the time where our bodies go into a 'self-healing' mode. All unnecessary motor functions are slowed down; with the exceptions of cell repair, and hormonal adjustments. This is the 'Delta Stage' - when we dream.

Sleep -101

Every individual functions differently with certain amounts of sleep time.

Though not reccommended, some people can get by with a minimal amount - 5, 4, and sometimes even 3 hours of sleep at night!

The less sleep we all have, chances are increased as to how 'less functional' or 'more cranky' we are the next day.

It is however, reccommended that we attain at least 8 hours of non-interrupted sleep at night.

Those midnight snacks or meals ingested 'just before bedtime' have a lot to do with it as well. Our parents (well at least mine did) told us that we'd have nightmares if we ate a big meal, just before bedtime. Old wives tale? Mabey. Then again, concider the 'digestion nightmare' that our bodies deal with when we 'literally' force it to break down food particles, while it's trying to go into a sleeping state.

As I had previously mentioned: All unnecessary motor functions are slowed down; with the exceptions of cell repair, and hormonal adjustments. Instead of slowing our body down to a 'healing stage', we are essentially running our digestive motors on overtime; albeit much slowly, however, the chances of storing more fat than usual, increases significantly. Hence, waking up with that 'bloated feeling'.

The way we sleep also determines our sleeping patterns. Tossing and turning throughout the night can be attibuted to: poor quality mattress, surrounding noise, partners, etc.

A very overweight person may find him/herself using pillows or other comfortable means as 'more support' to alleviate 'pressure points', that would otherwise contribute to bed sores, stiffness, and otherwise. The weight of an obese person would inevitably contribute to structural breakdown of their bed - warped frame, bulging mattress, et al.

Originally posted by TheDuckster

It is however, reccommended that we attain at least 8 hours of non-interrupted sleep at night.

i think everybody's different, i feel like crap if i sleep more than 6 hours in a night and sleeping more than eight is almost as bad as less than 4!!!

It is ridiculous to see the list of excuses for obesity. I would like to find an obese person who eats properly and gets at least 20min of viggerous exercise a day, with the only thing to blame it on being sleep depravation.

At least no one is responsible for their own bodies anymore.

reply to post by Karlhungis


Agreed, as usual... sleep deprived people are unhealthy -- but this does seem like pushing 'it' when Americans diet consist of non-nourishing foods -- the fast food 'industry' still has people by the. . . . and like Karl says, exercise is also important -- 30 to 45 minutes a day isn't much to do, so, while half the population is at least, overweight, they're all the easier to control.

Making them sleep more? Truly disturbing -- 7-8 is a healthy amount of hours needed per day -- any age.

reply to post by TheDuckster


Hey Ducky!

I can see the link myself, being that when I can't sleep I get up and drink 6 beers and make a few rounds of lard and cheese toasties. That helps me drop off in no time!

Also your list of 'reasons'/'excuses' missed one key disease that has caused thousands to become obese.

Hand TO mouth disease.

Obesity is a direct result of the "want it - have it" culture of todays world.

MonKey