Insufficient sleep is a key contributor to individuals being overweight or obese. Inadequate amounts of sleep can modify the normal hormonal balance of the body, causing a decrease in leptin (the appetite-suppressing hormone) and an increase in ghrelin (the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger), which increases appetite and caloric consumption. Ongoing sleep deprivation can also impact insulin regulateation, promote glucose intolerance, and decrease energy expenditure, therefore increasing someone’s risk of being overweight or diagnosed with metabolic disorders. Poor sleep disrupted circadian rhythms may also worsen the body’s propensity to gain weight and exacerbate metabolic dysregulation. It is important to encourage consistent and high-quality sleep in conjunction with a healthy diet and physical activity to aid in weight management, metabolic health, and overall health. By understanding the role sleep has on obesity, we can create helpful prevention and intervention programming.
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