Lack of sleep could be expanding your waistline, Researcher suggested. The new study adds to the argument by showing that sleeping too little correlates with a bigger waistline and higher body mass index.
The study carried out on 1,615 adults revealed that people who slept an average of six hours a night had a waist circumference three centimeters larger than those who slept nine hours at night.
Shorter sleep is associated with low amount of “good” cholesterol in the blood, which ideally should be higher. This help to protect the body against condition such as heart diseases.
The study author Dr. Laura Harrison from University of Leeds said, we found out that adults who reported sleeping less than their peers were more likely to be overweight or obese. How much sleep we need differs between people but consensus is that seven to nine hours is best for most adults.
The research didn’t find a link between sleeping less, eating worst diet. This study doesn’t prove a cause in either direction, but views against the backdrop of previous research showing a link between sleep and obesity, it’s most likely that the arrow is going from sleeping too little to gaining extra pound.
Sleeping is a factor that can be influenced by ourselves, it is more like adjusting a diet, therefore we can adjust our sleep pattern.
Other past studies suggested that sleeping too little causes excessive amount of the hormone gherlin to be released, which is linked to appetite. This make people who sleep less tend to eat more food during late hours of the night.
In one study, recurrent sleep deprivation in men increased their preferences for high-calorie foods and their overall calorie intake. In another 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.
Watch what you eat before bedtime. “Pizza and beer before bedtime is not a good idea,” says Breus. “Neither is eating a big meal close to bedtime.” He suggests eating a few healthy snacks and then having a light meal — like a bowl of cereal — if you’re running close to bedtime. Heavy, rich meals before bed can also increase risk of heartburn, which will certainly keep you up all night.So now you have a reason in getting a good night sleep.
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