Signs You're Sleep Deprived

You’re Hungry All the Time

The body releases hormones during sleep. Some of these hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, regulate appetite. When the body doesn’t get enough sleep, the release of these hormones can be affected — which can make a person hungry. Not getting enough sleep may also increase cravings for high-calorie foods. Over time, this can lead to obesity. A Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study found that body mass index (BMI) — a measure of body fat based on height and weight — increased proportionally to decreased sleep, when participants got less than 8 hours of sleep.

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Review Date: 
June 1, 2015

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Last Updated:
June 1, 2015