OBESITY AND SLEEP

Table of Contents
KEY POINTS
Adults should sleep 7 or more hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
Sleeping less than 7 hours nightly increases your risk of obesity.
Excess body weight is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.
Untreated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea also can contribute to weight gain.
Am I At Risk ?
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Your “energy balance” plays a vital role in preventing excess weight gain. The goal is to balance the calories you eat and drink with the calories you burn through physical activity.
Healthy sleep helps your body maintain its energy balance. Ongoing sleep loss causes changes in your body’s hormone levels. These changes can increase hunger and cause you to crave junk food. Sleep loss also causes fatigue and sleepiness, which can result in reduced activity.
TREATMENTS FOR OBESITY AND SLEEP
Testing At Home
tips for better sleeping
A variety of fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt and cheese
A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and soy
Oils
Next Steps
- Make it a priority to sleep 7 or more hours nightly, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Talk to your doctor about any ongoing sleep problems.
- Ask your doctor if your sleep problems may be having a negative impact on your weight.
- Your doctor may schedule you for a sleep study if you have symptoms of a sleep disorder like sleep apnea.
