Weight Gain from Lack of Sleep
Amanda MacMillan
We may have lost an hour of sleep this weekend, but here's a reminder not to make it a regular habit: New research suggests that when we repeatedly don't get enough zzzz's, we tend to eat more -- and can pack on nearly two pounds in five days!
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A study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that when participants were allowed to sleep only five hours a night for five days straight, they overate -- specifically in the form of high-carb, high-fat, after-dinner snacks. In fact, the total amount of calories consumed in evening snacks alone was, on average, larger than the calories that made up any individual meal! This is especially concerning in light of recent research that found that "late eaters" may have a harder time losing weight than early ones.
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The sleep-deprived group did manage to expend about five percent more energy than the well-rested one, simply because they spent more hours out of bed and on their feet, the researchers reported. But they also consumed about six percent more calories during that time -- more than offsetting any extra calories burned. When they were allowed to log up to nine full hours in bed, study participants reduced their calorie intake back to their normal levels -- and the women in the study managed to maintain their weight during this time, despite having unrestricted and unlimited access to food throughout the entire study. The study authors, from the University of Colorado Boulder, say that extra shuteye alone won't help you lose weight, or vice versa. But it's important to remember, during those crazy busy weeks when you are sleep deprived, that you may be more likely to crave late-night junk food. (No, you're not just imagining it.) Outsmart your hunger by hitting the sack instead -- or, if that's not an option, choose a low-calorie snack that will fuel your brain but not your waistline.
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