Recent studies show that the eating and sleeping habits of both children and adults have changed, the time spent in sleep has shortened compared to the past, and the risk of weight gain and obesity has increased. Sleep-related problems such as short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are thought to be associated with the development of obesity by causing metabolic, endocrine and behavioral changes.

Why Are You Sleeping Less?

Sleep has effects on insulin secretion, leptin-gerlin balance, energy expenditure, blood sugar balance and weight control. It is pointed out that there are different reasons for the development of obesity in people who sleep for a short time. Studies show that the feeling of satiety decreases due to the decrease in leptin level in those with short sleep duration, while the increase in gerlin level increases hunger.

Scientific research shows that people with short sleep duration eat more because of emotional hunger rather than biological hunger, insomnia affects appetite, and sleep-deprived individuals are more prone to rewarding food stimuli. Another reason obesity develops is that people who sleep less have the opportunity to eat more because they stay awake longer. Various studies show that brain imaging increases the brain's response to unhealthy foods, and binge eating occurs in people with limited sleep time.

Sleep Apnea Syndrome

"Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome" (OSAS) is one of the sleep disorders in which repetitive partial or complete narrowing of the upper airways occurs during sleep, resulting in temporary superficial or respiratory arrest for at least 10 seconds. Obesity plays an important role in the development of this disease.

Sleep Apnea Makes Obesity Worse

Apnea-related obesity seems to get worse when sleep apnea is left untreated. People with this problem experience poor night sleep quality and frequent awakenings due to apnea. In addition, the risk of weight gain increases as deep and restful sleep decreases and daytime sleepiness and tired awakening are observed.

Increase in Restless Legs Syndrome

It is stated that another problem that is more common in overweight people than in normal weight people is "restless legs syndrome". In this syndrome, problems such as significant burning, stinging, numbness and restlessness in the legs before falling asleep at night are reduced by walking and moving after getting out of bed. It is stated that this syndrome is more common in people with sleep apnea. Obesity worsens the course of both diseases.