It has been established that inadequate sleep can lead to heightened hunger, increased cravings, and a tendency to gravitate towards sugary and fatty foods that one might aim to restrict.
When individuals limited their sleep duration to a mere 5.5 hours, they ended up consuming an extra 385 calories per day, with the majority of these calories stemming from snacks. This escalation in calorie intake represents a substantial 55 percent surge compared to their typical intake when they enjoyed regular, adequate sleep.
Researchers noted that these additional calories were primarily derived from carbohydrates, particularly late at night. In a state of sleep deprivation, the study participants indulged in more sugary and salty snacks, such as cookies, chips, and candy, hinting at a potential connection between sleep deficiency and the brain’s reward center.