Weight-loss
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Science
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7
 min read

The connection between sleep and weight loss

Studies have found that even a short period of sleep deprivation can increase the hunger hormones ghrelin. Sleep deprivation over a longer period can increase levels of both leptin and ghrelin. Which can impact your weight.

Written by
Reviewed by
Dr Joseph Santos
FRACGP, MB.BS, B. Sci (Honors). University of Sydney
Disclaimer

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We all know what it’s like to have a terrible night’s sleep. We’re sluggish and grumpy. We might even move around slower than usual. Perhaps we’ll add an extra sugar to our coffee, hoping it perks us up a bit. By dinner time, we’re too tired to cook, so we order take away.  Science backs this behaviour up. One study found people who were getting less sleep per night ate more food than people who were getting 7-9 hours of sleep a night. In particular, they ate more saturated fat than the other group.  

When this happens occasionally, it probably doesn’t make a massive difference to our weight. However, if you’re one of the estimated that 42% of Australians are regularly getting suboptimal sleep, this might be a factor in your weight. 

The relationship between good sleep and weight loss

Although you might make poorer food choices when you’re tired, it’s a bit more complicated than not having enough willpower to say no to eating hot chips. There are chemical sensors called hormones in our blood that sends our brain signals when we’re hungry or full. 

The hormone ghrelin tells us when we’re hungry, and leptin tells us when we’re full. However, a lack of sleep might affect how these hormones work. Studies have found that even a short period of sleep deprivation can increase the hunger hormones ghrelin. Sleep deprivation over a longer period can increase levels of both leptin and ghrelin.

As a result of sleep induced changes to these hormones, it can mean people eat more. One sleep deprivation and weight gain study found that men who slept four hours one night compared to men who slept eight hours consumed 22% more calories the day after. Over time, this could result in significant weight gain.

Why is sleep important to weight loss?

Sleep and metabolism are also linked. Metabolism is the chemical process that allows us to break down nutrients and build and repair our body.

When we’re not getting enough sleep, our body can’t break down sugar which can cause decreased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. It can also trigger a cortisol spike which makes your body more prone to hanging onto fat and reduces your ability to lose weight.

Studies have found that people who sleep less don’t lose as much fat on a calorie-controlled diet than people sleeping enough each night.

Sleep deprivation could increase the risk of developing other diseases. Short-sleep duration, sleep apnoea and other sleep-related disorders may contribute to metabolic dysregulation which can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and the risk of type 2 diabetes

How to sleep and lose weight

When you’re developing a weight loss plan, it’s important to think about your sleeping habits and whether you’re getting enough sleep. According to the Australian Sleep Health Foundation, adults between 25 and 64 should usually get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night. Anything less than 6 hours or over 10 hours isn’t recommended. 

For adults over 65, 7 to 8 hours is generally the right amount of sleep and anything less than 5 hours and over 9 hours isn’t recommended. 

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Health Tip

If you’re not getting enough sleep, you might need to think about your sleep habits, or consult a doctor about your sleep. To improve your ability to get to sleep and stay asleep, the Australian Sleep Health Foundation recommends you:

  • Try to go to bed at the same time each night.  
  • Don’t consume tea, coffee, and drinks with caffeine such as cola close to bedtime.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol as they can disturb your sleep and can make problems such as snoring and sleep apnoea worse.
  • Avoid stimulating activities such as watching tv, playing computer games and exercising in the hour before bed.
  • Have your evening meal at least 2 hours before bedtime, so you’re not full when you head to bed. 

For many people, sleep apnoea and weight gain is linked. One study found a 10% increase in weight predicted a 6-fold increase in the odds of developing moderate-to-severe sleep disordered breathing. If you think you have sleep apnoea, it’s important to consult a doctor about a treatment plan.

Lose weight with a doctor-guided weight loss program

If you’ve tried losing weight by dieting or exercising before and found your body worked against you, your hormones may be part of the problem. The doctors at Rosemary Health are experienced at helping people lose weight, especially when lifestyle efforts alone haven’t been enough. Learn more about our doctor-guided weight loss program.

Lose 10% weight, feel better
Doctor-guided weight loss program. Free online visit.
Start Online Visit
Lose 10% weight, feel better
Doctor-guided weight loss program. Free online visit.
Start Online Visit
Lose 10% weight, feel better
Doctor-guided weight loss program. Free online visit.
Start Online Visit

Take the first step today.

Rosemary’s weight loss program combines evidence-based treatments with 1-on-1 doctor, dietitian and coaching support.