In this busy world, it’s easy to brush off a little lack of sleep here and there. But did you know that when you are sleep deprived, studies show that you are more likely to reach for unhealthier food options such as refined foods, processed foods, sugary and fast foods?
Sleep deprivation increases the body’s hunger hormones, which leads to quick energy food choices that could wreak havoc on your health. One recent study in 2013 showed that sleep deprived people also purchased more calories and grams of junk food after a night of not sleeping. Why? One possible theory is that sleep deprivation can impair the brain, leading to impulsive food buying behavior.
CHALLENGE: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Try to put your head on the pillow at the same time each night. Turn off lights and avoid electronic screens of any kind (including phone screens) for 30 minutes before bed.