27 Oct , 17:29
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Scientists reveal unexpected cause of lack of morning appetite: stress hormone is to blame
According to experts, unwillingness to eat breakfast may signal a serious hormonal imbalance. Well-known nutritionist Natalie Burrows, in a conversation with the Daily Mail, explained why many people don't feel hungry after waking up.
During night sleep, the body actively uses glucose reserves stored in the liver. When these resources are depleted, the adrenal glands begin to produce cortisol to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This hormone not only helps to wake up but can also significantly reduce the feeling of hunger when in excessive concentration.
"If you wake up without wanting to eat, this may indicate elevated cortisol levels," explained Burrows.
The specialist also notes that in the morning, melatonin - the sleep hormone that slows down digestive processes - continues to work in the body. Scientific research shows that it may take one to two hours for melatonin levels to naturally decrease and for appetite to appear. Another common factor for the absence of morning hunger is disruption of the circadian rhythm - the body's biological clock that controls sleep, wakefulness, and eating cycles.
To restore a normal regime, the dietitian recommends going outside or ensuring access to daylight in the room during the first half hour after waking up. It's also important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and not replace a proper breakfast with a cup of coffee: caffeine stimulates the release of adrenaline, creating a temporary illusion of vigor, but depletes the adrenal glands.
Burrows particularly emphasizes that neither morning fatigue nor the desire to lose weight should become reasons to skip breakfast. Missing the first meal can cause sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels and, contrary to popular belief, make weight control more difficult.
