Are you losing sleep about gaining weight, or is it the other way around? Gaining weight can be the unintentional outcome of not getting your rest. For every hour you concede in lieu of giving your body the respite it needs, you may be programming your body to accept pounds you do not want. Getting enough sleep directly impacts your weight and here’s why:

Ghrelin – What is it?

In medical terms, Ghrelin is a hormone produced by enteroendocrine cells of the
gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, because it increases food intake. Blood levels ghrelin are highest before meals when hungry, returning to lower levels after mealtimes.
Simply – Ghrelin is known as the “hunger hormone”. People who do not get enough sleep have increased levels of Ghrelin and studies show they can consume about 300 calories a day more than those who are well-rested. Less than 7 hours nightly can also decrease of Leptin.

Leptin – What is it? Let’s define it medically, first. Leptin is a hormone predominantly made by adipose cells and enterocytes in the small intestine that helps to regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger, which in turn diminishes fat storage in adipocytes. Leptin is the hormone
that tells you to stop eating, however if you are sleep deprived, you have less leptin.

More Ghrelin + Less Leptin = Weight Gain

Eating more and sleeping less slows metabolism and increases our propensity to put on the pounds.

Long-term Effects of Sleep Deprivation

If you are battling weight gain, there are variables to consider and a lack of sleep is just one.
Over time, lack of sleep can cause other health problems such as:

1. Memory issues
2. Mood changes
3. Weakened Immunity
4. Risk for Diabetes
5. Low sex drive
6. Poor balance
7. Risk of heart disease
8. High blood pressure
9. Accidents
10. Trouble thinking or concentrating

Good sleep is a key component to maintaining optimal health.

Dr. Gamboa’s Approach

When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Gamboa, she will review and evaluate your sleep habits. Her goal for you is getting to the root cause of your medical condition and collaborating with a team of providers to help you achieve health and well-being. If you suffer from any of the long-term effects of sleep deprivation, including weight gain, imagine how good you will feel when these conditions reduce or subside.

6 Sleep Tips
Achieving a good night’s sleep can be done!

1. Implement a sleep schedule. Consistency is key, getting 8 hours each night, waking at
   the same time each day can help!
2. Be mindful about food and drink before bedtime. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed.
3. Create a restful environment. Maybe sure the room is “set” and ideal for sleeping – quiet, dark, cool, clean, comfy.
4. Limit daytime naps
5. Include physical activity in your daily routine – walk, run, play
6. Manage worries – this is a big one, but Dr. Gamboa will assist you with this as she works with certified therapists that can help you manage stress.

Finally, we encourage you to give sleep your undivided attention. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you – we wish you sweet dreams and healthy outcomes!