Growing research suggests that not getting enough sleep may contribute to obesity in children. Furthermore, skimping on sleep as a child may cause weight gain later in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. There are many factors that contribute to weight gain, but new studies indicate that sleep plays a major role. Although lack of sleep contributes to weight gain at any age, children struggle more since they need more sleep.
Greater Risk for Children
According to a study published in "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine," children who slept less than 10 hours a night were twice as likely to become overweight or obese over a five-year period compared to children who got the recommended 10 hours or more a night. Sleep is especially important for children since their bodies are still developing and almost all human growth hormones are produced during sleep.
The Hormone Connection
Hormone imbalance is the main factor in why sleep deprivation causes obesity. The body releases hormones that help regulate how it uses energy. If the body does not get enough sleep and the hormones are off-balance, people tend to overeat and choose less healthy foods. In addition, studies show that the hormones gherlin and leptin, which regulate hunger, are affected with sleep deprivation. The body sends a signal to overeat when people are tired, and the body stores the excess food as fat.
Metabolic Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Other hormones that may be thrown off when sleep is disrupted include insulin, which controls blood sugar, and cortisol, which controls stress. Spikes in either of these hormones can contribute to weight gain, fat storage and diabetes.
The Triple Threat
Another factor that plays a role in childhood obesity is that lack of sleep means kids are up longer watching TV or surfing the Web while eating. Inactivity, overeating and lack of sleep are a triple threat when it comes to managing a healthy waistline. Sleeping in on the weekends and napping does not help stabilize hormone balance, since hormone production is affected when a normal sleep cycle is thrown off during the week.
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