Looking to shed a few pounds before the start of summer? Then, there’s good news for you. Researchers have found new insight to battle your cravings. Just in time for the beginning of Sleep Awareness Month, a new study released this week has linked lack of sleep to overeating.
The study published in the Sleep journal found that people who don’t get adequate sleep tend to overeat or eat far more throughout the day. Scientists found the urge to overindulge for the sleep deprived is similar to the chemical response marijuana users experience when under the influence, leading them to eat more (better known as the munchies).
The small study found its sleep-deprived group went on to consume twice as many calories later in the day than the control group—and more of those calories appeared to come from high fat foods.
Still not convinced a full night’s rests could improve your chances on the scale?
According to Larry Altshuler, M.D., a doctor of internal medicine and author of Doctor Say What?, sleep can influence overeating in additional ways.
“Sleep deprivation influences two hormones that affect appetite,” says Altshuler. “It suppresses [the hormone] leptin, which inhibits appetite, and stimulates ghrelin, which increases hunger. So, overall, it causes increased appetite and thus increased BMI (Body Mass Index).”
So there you have it; if you’re trying to stick with a weight loss regimen, you’ll need to hit the gym, eat better and get your Zs.
BMWK: What’s an average night’s rest for you? Could your lack of sleep be to blame for some of your unwanted pounds?