A substantial amount of research has shown that sleep keeps us healthy in a variety of ways. Past studies have linked inadequate sleep to all sorts of medical issues, including obesity. Now, new research has shed light on just how powerful sleep is when it comes to regulating weight.
An Immediate Impact
University of Colorado researchers recently completed a study which showed that insufficient sleep can lead to fast weight gain. Appearing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study involved 16 participants who slept only five hours per night for five straight days. During this time, all participants exercised as they normally would; however, after the 5-day period, every subject gained an average of two pounds of extra body weight.
Why the Increase?
Several studies have demonstrated that sleep helps to regulate our weight in a variety of ways; however, in this particular study, researchers believe increased appetites were responsible for causing the subjects to gain weight. Ultimately, we tend to feel hungrier when we get less sleep; a fact made obvious by what happened seven days after the completion of the study, when all subjects returned to their normal weights after sleeping normally again.
What if You Have Sleep Apnea?
Because it causes breathing problems that lead to frequent waking, obstructive sleep apnea keeps people from getting enough sleep on a consistent basis. After a while, sufferers may gain weight; they may also suffer an increased risk of developing deadly health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, don’t wait to reach out for help. The longer you endure your affliction, the more likely you will experience weight gain and/or serious medical problems. Dr. Berry offers his patients oral sleep appliances, which cure sleep apnea by providing a clear, unobstructed airway. To learn more, please call (303) 691-0267 at the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado in Denver today.
Related article: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/health/130311/lack-sleep-causes-you-gain-weight-instantly-study-shows
