Sleep Deprivation Affects Memory, Mood, Weight Gain, and Appetite

The quality, depth and amount of sleep influences our mental, emotional and physical health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to the following:
• Shortened life span
• Inflammation
• Strained Relationships
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Chronic irritability
• Memory loss
• Depression
Sleep is just as important to good health as a good diet, hydration, and exercise. Studies have shown a connection between sleep deprivation and weight gain. Essentially these studies show that people who do not get enough sleep are at risk for becoming overweight or even obese. This may seem illogical; that increasing our most sedentary activity (sleep) would help to prevent weight gain. How can sleeping more help to lose weight? The answer rests in the hormonal and metabolic changes that occur with sleep deprivation.

The stress of sleep deprivation causes our bodies to produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol inhibits muscle building and increases the production of insulin. Insulin in turn accelerates fat storage. In other words sleep restriction can contribute to a reduction in muscle size and can increase fat accumulation. Chronic sleep restriction alters the blood sugar metabolism and can contribute to diabetes later in life. Another potential source of weight gain is related to the molecule leptin. Leptin is secreted from fat cells signaling satiety, “We have had enough to eat.” It regulates body weight through appetite suppression and is also linked to having adequate sleep .With lack of sleep this signal is inhibited, so that people crave more food than they need. This in turn will lead to overeating and additional weight gain.
Aside from these factors there are other aspects of weight gain. When you are tired, you are not in the mood to exercise. When you are tired your willpower may be compromised and lead to unhealthy eating choices. You may drink more caffeine to stay awake resulting in increased cortisol and insulin production. Caffeine may interfere with normal sleep patterns resulting in a cycle of sleep deprivation and caffeine consumption. A vicious cycle is established, resulting in a downward spiral.

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