Sleep and Weight Gain (Habit - Sleep)

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Is too little sleep a cause of weight gain?

It may be. Recent studies have suggested an association between sleep duration and weight gain. Sleeping less than five hours — or more than nine hours — a night appears to increase the likelihood of weight gain. 

In one study, women who slept less than six hours a night or more than nine hours were more likely to gain 11 pounds (5 kilograms) compared with women who slept seven hours a night. Other studies have found similar patterns in children and adolescents. 

One explanation may be that sleep duration affects hormones regulating hunger — ghrelin and leptin — and stimulates the appetite. Another contributing factor may be that lack of sleep leads to fatigue and results in less physical activity. 

So now you have another reason to get a good night's sleep. 

Donald Hensrud, M.D., The Mayo Clinic 

For more information on the connection between sleep and weight gain check out ...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-and-weight-gain/AN02178 

In the comments box below, list one way you are able to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night (e.g. create a bedtime ritual).