Have you ever stayed up late at night just watching “just one more episode” of your favourite TV drama, then realised it was 1am and you have to get up for work in 4 hours?  Well you aren’t just affecting your energy levels for the next day, your also changing your appetite! With less than 7 hours sleep the body changes the way it releases appetite-controlling hormones – even just one our less affects the way our bodies function. Neurons in the brain start to slow down decreasing reaction times and decision making skills.  Your immune system works less efficiently making you more susceptible to illnesses and the stress hormone cortisol doesn’t leave the body as quickly so you feel more stressed.

When you have just watched a season and a half of your favourite TV drama, and with only 4 hours sleep your body changes the amounts and timing of your appetite-controlling hormones so instead of feeling full after eating – it doesn’t know when to stop eating. If we would crave the carrots or celery sticks this may be okay, but because of the lack of sleep our body craves the high sugary foods due to the changes in the rewards centre in the brain. Between this and your brain continually telling you your hungry, your binge watching night turns into a binge eating day.

Even your food purchases after a bad night’s sleep is affected as it is hard to make healthy decisions surrounding food!  The physical and emotional changes sleep deprivation does to your body makes it hard to follow a well-balanced meal plan, which can lead to a whole host of other potential illnesses and conditions, including obesity.

To give your mind and body the best advantage, you need 7-8 hours of sleep, and the best way to do this is through developing healthy sleep hygiene – the habits, and behaviors that affect your sleep quantity and quality.. With a few simple changes in your lifestyle, you can get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer for the restorative sleep you need. Contact Brisbane Snoring today to see how we can help get you a full night’s sleep.