According to experts, the habit of taking time from sleep can lead to a set of extra pounds. Is it true? Or maybe it is logical to think about how to lose weight by reducing your sleep time? Sleep less – move more and, therefore, lose weight – it seems logical.

But not everything is so simple.

While obesity is turning into a “worldwide epidemic”, many people suffer from chronic sleep deprivation. From year to year there are fewer and fewer of those who allow themselves the luxury of sleeping 8 hours a day. And scientists believe that a connection is possible between these events. This is confirmed by many studies.

First, those who sleep less have less energy during the day, and therefore less motivation to exercise regularly. Sleepy people move less compared to those who sleep at least 7 hours every night.

It’s no secret that the amount of many hormones is different throughout the day and depends on our diet, daily routine, physical activity and other factors. Including the amount of sleep, it affects the hormones ghrelin and leptin, which control appetite. Not getting enough sleep makes you crave foods high in carbohydrates and calories. Sleep deprivation can lead to an increase in ghrelin , which stimulates appetite, and a decrease in leptin, which suppresses it. The body tries to replenish its energy reserves, and, as a result, replenishes fat reserves. Sleep loss also increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which stimulates fat production. In addition, growth hormone production is impaired. Normally, it is secreted at the beginning of sleep. This hormone is very important for both the growth of children and the breakdown of body fat.

In order to avoid this, you need to sleep at least 6 hours a day. And it is better not to go beyond the norm and sleep 7-8 hours daily.