Junk food cravings and late-night snacking are two very bad habits that can lead to a variety of health problems. Now it has been found that not getting a good night sleep can increase the likelihood of junk food cravings and late-night snacking.
According to a study done by the University of Arizona Health Sciences sleep researchers, people who have poor sleep quality also have increased carvings for junk food which can lead to late night snacking. The late-night eating can increase the likelihood of obesity, diabetes and other health problems.
Sleep, alongside with nutrition are important factors in maintaining good health. This most recent study has shown how sleep and eating patterns are linked and work together to promote better health. This study found how not sleeping well can cause weight gain through more late-night eating, but there is the opposite side of the equation.
A completely different study found that getting a good amount of sleep can have completely opposite results. According to research reports published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, sleeping longer each night could lead to a healthier diet.
Research was carried out on adults aged 18 to 64 who typically slept less than the seven hours per night that is the typical recommended minimum for adults. One group received personal sleep consultation who’s goal it was to increase sleep time by 1 to 1 ½ hours per night. The other group was left to their normal sleep patterns.
The results demonstrated that those who increased their sleep time had a 10g reduction in intake of free sugars when compared with those who slept less. There was also reduction in intake of fat and carbohydrates in those who slept a little more.
The importance of a good nights sleep to a healthy lifestyle cannot be stressed enough and these studies are now part of the proof.
