October 24, 2008, Newsletter Issue #194: Sleep and Obesity

Tip of the Week

Recent studies have shown a link between lack of sleep and obesity. And with millions of Americans getting less than the 8 hours of recommended sleep per night, it seems obesity is even more of a threat than ever.

Here are the numbers:
In a 2005 National Sleep Foundation survey, it was reported that more than 70 percent of adults over the age of 18 get less than 8 hours of sleep on weekdays and 40 percent of those get less than 7 hours.

A 2003 poll found that, on average, American adults between the ages of 18 and 54 sleep just 6.7 hours a night during the week, and 7 hours a night on weekends. Among older adults - those between 55 and 84 - 13 percent sleep less than 6 hours a night during the week, while 11 percent have a similar sleep pattern on weekends.

So if you're trying to lose weight, don't discount the value of a good night's sleep! Breaking these bad sleep habits can help slim you down.

And here's the proof:
A study of more than 1,000 men and women indicated that those who reported sleeping less weighed more. The study found that there are hormonal secretions that are affected with sleep loss that apparently affect appetite and eating.

Universities all over the country are conducting studies on lack of sleep and increased appetite and are finding that there is a relationship between the two.

In a study at the University of Chicago, 12 men who slept just 4 hours a night had an appetite increase of 24 percent and also showed a decreased level of the hormone leptin, which delivers feelings of satiation to the brain. Levels of the hormone ghrelin, which sparks hunger, shot up 28 percent - prompting cravings for candy, cookies and cake.

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