How important is sleep for a healthy diet?

 

Did you know that a loss of sleep can make you eat more?

Here's how:

1. Studies show that our brain's reward centres are hyperactive when we've lost a few Zzz's. This means that our brain's rewards centre lights up, even more, in response to food. Lots of food is also ultra-processed, and as part of the process - the food is engineered to contain the perfect amount of fat, sugar and salt ratio to intensify the brain's reward sensation even more - which also contributes to the food feeling 'addictive'. This ultra processed food is also ulra refined, meaning you can eat lots of it, without feeling full or satisfied.

2. Disturbed sleep also contributes to increased ghrelin (the hormone that tells you that you're hungry) and decreased leptin (the hormone that tells you that you're more full) - meaning that you feel hungry more often, and you're more likely to eat past fullness. The increased hunger levels, also means that we're more likely to reach for foods that are calorie dense (these often are included in the ultra processed foods mentioned above, that also trigger the reward centre in your brain).

3. Food is our fuel. What happens when we don't sleep enough? We feel tired, empty and like we need a re-charge. Food gives us the energy to function and will help the body to feel temporarily boosted. Something high in sugar will also give the extra boost and sugar high. But, what goes up, must come down - meaning we're more likely to reach for another sugary snack to get those sugar levels back up again. (Those sugary snacks are also the ones that are ultra processed, ultra refined, trigger the brain's reward centre, feel 'addictive' and provide little hunger satisfaction.)

So, if you're looking for an excuse to get a bit more sleep in each night, make it this one. 

Kate Xx 

 

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 I post regularly on here and Instagram with self-love, body positivity and recipe ideas so that you can bloom into your best self, with me.