Sleep Affects Obesity and Diabetes

America is a high stress society in which most people don’t get enough sleep.  We could be paying for it with our health.  Sleep deprivation is linked to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Lack of sleep alters Growth Hormone and leptin levels, which are important regulators of appetite and energy expenditure and are critical for maintaining a healthy weight.  Sleep loss causes  a decrease in Growth Hormone and leptin levels.  Growth Hormone is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction and regeneration in humans and other animals. Leptin is a hormone that plays a key role in regulating energy intake and expenditure, including appetite and hunger, metabolism, and behavior.  The best way to avoid any of these ailments is to make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night.  For more informative tips on staying healthy or if you’re looking to hire a personal trainer,  contact us.