Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Do you have a hard time getting a good night’s sleep? Adults should get between seven and nine hours of quality sleep each night, but more and more people are running on six hours (or fewer).

When you’re sleep-deprived and feeling low on energy, you’re more likely to reach for several cups of coffee and comfort food. In fact, poor sleep has been tied to overeating and trouble losing excess weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults who sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to be obese than those who sleep seven or more hours.

Your circadian rhythms, or “body clock,” controls several biological systems, including appetite and metabolism. Although these physiological clockworks are mostly created through genetics, environmental factors can alter them. Exercise, sun exposure, nutrition, and sleep deprivation are all influential factors. To avoid metabolic changes, try going to bed at the same time to achieve regular sleep patterns.

Recent studies have also proven that sleep loss impacts hormone levels linked to hunger, satiety, stress, and insulin sensitivity. Your body may suffer from a decrease in blood levels of leptin, which is a “satiety” hormone that can set off feelings of fullness after eating. Plus, you may have higher levels of ghrelin, a “hunger” hormone that increases appetite and regulates body weight.

Schedule an Expert Health Consultations

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to work or socialize when you’re sleep deprived. At Lakeview Family Medicine, we can help you manage your sleep schedule, weight, and overall health. we’re confident in the health principles we preach and would love for you to come see us for a consultation. We’ll discuss your health goals with you and then share some of our knowledge of health promotion experience. We love meeting new patients and helping them be their healthiest selves. Schedule an expert health consultation today!