Sleep Helps You Fight Cravings and Make Healthy Choices

Lack of sleep actually alters the way your brain works. This may make it harder to make healthy choices and resist tempting foods .

Sleep deprivation will actually dull activity in the frontal lobe of the brain. The frontal lobe is in charge of decision-making and self-control

In addition, it appears that the reward centers of the brain are more stimulated by food when you are sleep deprived

Therefore, after a night of poor sleep, not only is that bowl of ice cream more rewarding, but you’ll likely have a harder time practicing self-control.

Furthermore, research has found that lack of sleep can increase your affinity for foods that are high in calories, carbs and fat

A study of 12 men observed the effects of sleep deprivation on food intake.

When participants were only allowed four hours of sleep, their calorie intake increased by 22%, and their fat intake almost doubled, compared to when they were allowed eight hours of sleep

SUMMARY:

Poor sleep can decrease your self-control and decision-making abilities and can increase the brain’s reaction to food. Poor sleep has also been linked to increased intake of foods high in calories, fats and carbs.