Lack of sleep affects your eating habits: Nutritionist's tips

Have you ever noticed how your sleep schedule affects your eating habits?

Most people tend to eat differently when they lack quality sleep, or sleep too much.

Let's find out more about it.

Increased Hunger

Your body craves more food, especially high-calorie, sugary, or fatty stuff. 

This happens because sleep affects hormones that control your appetite. 

When you're tired, these hormones can get out of whack, making you feel hungrier than usual.

Craving Unhealthy Foods

Lack of sleep often makes you crave not-so-healthy foods like chips, cookies, and fast food. 

You're more likely to reach for these comfort foods when you're tired.

Less Control

Your ability to control your eating habits can weaken. You might find it harder to resist unhealthy snacks or larger portions of food.

Reduced Energy

Sleep-deprived people often feel low on energy, so they might eat more to try to boost their energy levels. 

Unfortunately, the foods they choose for this purpose are usually not the best for their health.

Changes in Meal Timing

Your sleep patterns can affect when you eat. 

If you stay up late or wake up during the night, you might be tempted to have a midnight snack, which can add extra calories to your day.

Stress and Emotional Eating

Lack of sleep can make you more stressed and emotional. 

In such states, you're more likely to eat for comfort, which usually means less healthy food choices.

Conclusion

So, when you're not getting enough sleep, it can make you feel hungrier, crave unhealthy foods, and mess with your ability to control your eating habits. 

All of this can contribute to overeating and, in the long run, affect your overall health.

• Related news:
• hunger
• sleep
• habits
• 21 October 2023

---