Named non-obvious cause of weight problems

Russian scientists discovered: poor sleep leads to excess weight

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to "Gazeta.Ru", researchers have found that insufficient sleep can become a decisive factor in the development of obesity.

Sleep medicine physician Maxim Novikov revealed the mechanism of this connection: during sleep, the most important regulation of hormonal balance that controls appetite takes place. With chronic sleep deprivation, the body begins to produce more ghrelin – a hormone that stimulates hunger, while simultaneously reducing the level of leptin, which signals satiety.

The situation is exacerbated by increased release of cortisol – the stress hormone, which makes us reach for high-calorie foods. The body, exhausted by lack of sleep, seeks to replenish energy in the fastest way, which leads to uncontrolled consumption of unhealthy food.

The specialist emphasized that the problem has a double effect: chronic fatigue not only reduces physical activity but also slows down metabolism. As a result, extra pounds can appear even while maintaining a regular diet.

For those who want to deal with the problem of excess weight, Novikov gives unexpected advice: start by normalizing sleep. The expert reminds that an adult needs to sleep from seven to nine hours a day to maintain a healthy hormonal balance.