How can interrupted sleep affect weight management? Scientists have found that two important appetite-control hormones, leptin and ghrelin, are regulated during our sleep cycles. The hormone ghrelin, produced in the stomach, tells our brain we are hungry. The hormone leptin, manufactured in our fat cells, tells our brain when we’ve had enough to eat. When sleep is restricted, the hormone ghrelin increases telling us we’re still hungry even if we've had enough to eat. The hormone leptin decreases, so it takes longer to get the message when we’re full. This imbalance can result in overeating and weight gain.

MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY VIDEOS

CHAPTER 1 The Importance of Sleep Sleep is not a luxury. It is essential to our fitness, memory, mood and overall health. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 3 We Sleep in Cycles Our sleep progresses through four distinct cycles, and each plays a role in maintaining our health. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 10 (currently viewing) Sleep and Your Weight A good night's sleep keeps two important appetite-control hormones in balance. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 14 Could You Have Sleep Apnea? This breathing disorder disrupts sleep and plays havoc with your health. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 17 Seniors Need Sleep Seniors should still aim for about eight hours of sleep per night. VIEW VIDEO