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Sleep to Save 220 Calories Each Day
March 28, 2009 at 6:45 AM by Cafe Kristen - Comments (6)
We've heard it before, but not sleeping enough takes a big toll on our bodies. For one thing, lack of sleep can make us fat.
People who got to bed earlier ate 220 fewer calories per day than people who stayed up late.
In the study, people who went to bed late average 5.5 hours of sleep per night. Others got 8.5 hours per night.
Sleep-deprived people did not eat bigger meals, but they snacked more, and usually on high-carb foods that they eat late in the evening.
Researchers believe night owls ate more for two reasons: They were awake to do it, and their brain neurons were activated in a way that made them hungry.
As for me, I definitely eat more chips when I'm sleep deprived. In fact, they're kind of like carbohydrate crack when I'm tired. I just can't stop. If I've slept well, I eat better. It's true.
Are you a night owl? Do you think staying up late leads to more snacking?
FILED UNDER: aging, bad habits, diets, emotional health, energy & fatigue, nutrition, obesity, weight loss
Comments:
I am waiting to see this payoff . I go to sleep early enough. I am trying to eat healthier and excercise and sleep properly. I am sure I do not need 220 more calories in my diet, so this is encouraging to see . Thanks
Also, most healthy meals require more preparation. I find that if I am tired.. I don't want to cook. Shocking isn't it?
LOL I totally believe this... its true.. when I am up late crafting... which is just about every night since I cant get any work done when my kids are awake, I always snack on something. I try to eat apples, oranges, carrots, air popped popcorn.. but an apple is 100 calories so I still am eating more calories than I would if I were asleep!
I can see how that would be. Maybe I can blame lack of sleep and kids for my weight gain now =) I do tend to eat when I stay up later, especially after putting the kiddos to bed. I've been trying not to eat or if I do chosing something a little better than my stand by chips.
I have been nagged for years by my neurologist (I have seizures) to "practice good sleep hygeine" which includes getting at least eight hours of sleep. I am a consumate night owl and the weight thing certainly makes sense in terms of my snacking, etc. Plus the obvious...you can eat while you're sleeping :)
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oh definitely. to some, (like my mother) snacking is a way to keep yourself awake LONGER.... ugh... thankfully I've learnt my lesson, if I'm awake, and feel hungry, I get a glass of water or milk.
Jordanplustwo Mar. 28, 2009 at 8:47 AM