The surprising connection between sleep and weight management

When you’re trying to manage your weight, your first focus is likely on what you eat. It’s true that weight management requires a focus on healthy foods and limited intake of sugary, high-calorie, high-fat foods.

Exercise can also be an important tool. Staying physically active helps you burn more calories. It can also help ensure that you maintain muscle.

But there’s a third factor that can be key to weight management, and it’s often overlooked. Turns out that how well you sleep plays an important role. Sleep affects many of your body’s functions. And that, in turn, impacts your motivation, your blood sugar levels and your food choices.

Not getting enough sleep is linked to higher rates of obesity. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep most nights. People who consistently log six or fewer hours tend to have a higher body mass index (BMI). And even just a few nights of short sleep can result in short-term weight fluctuations.

Not getting enough sleep can also increase your glucose (blood sugar) levels. That raises your risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

And while it may seem obvious, a lack of sleep leaves you feeling tired. That lack of energy can make you less inclined to be active or get any type of exercise. When not sleeping means more time on the couch and less time at the gym, you may find yourself struggling to maintain your weight.

Sleep quality affects two important hormones that regulate appetite — leptin and ghrelin.