Lack of sleep and "binging"/ overeating

For the past four nights, I have averaged about 3-5 hours of sleep at night, and for the past three days, I have "binged"/overate by about 1000 calories a day.

Do you think this is a coincidence or is there a connection? Which do you think is causing which??

Thanks.

Calories are simply a unit of energy.  When you're very, very tired you are lacking in energy.  Your body's natural reaction will be to ask you to boost your energy levels.... and the quickest way to do this is with food.   Sugary starchy high-calorie food is a popular choice because it ups the blood-sugars fastest.  (Even if you don't know this, your body does)   Also, if you're trying to stay awake for 19 - 21 hours a day, you'll be using up more energy.   So you'd expect to eat more.... totally natural.

Try to get a decent amount of good quality sleep.... 7 hours or more. If your poor sleep patterns continue for a long time it can suppress your immune system and make you quite ill.   Worth seeing a doctor if things don't improve.

A month or so ago, I had an average of four to five hours of sleep per night and ate a lot of sugary foods. I gained 4lbs in a week and my tummy was constantly bloated. I believe that the more sleep one has, it is less likely that he or she will overeat/gain weight.

I know that I am always more hungry when I don't sleep well. I believe it is caused by your body being tired, exhausted and in a more vulnerable state. You don't  have the energy you normally would on a day where you are well rested so your body is looking for ways to get that energy in other ways. That would be food. You are more likely to crave sugary, fatty foods because that is the quickest way to get instant energy.

When you are sleep deprived your body produces more ghrelin which is a hormone that stimulates hunger. We also don't produce enough leptin which is another hormone that signals us when we are full. So those two things combine cause excessive hunger and can lead to weight gain if the sleep deprivation goes on for an extended period of time. Sleep is critical. Sleep deprivation when chronic can cause all kinds of health and emotional issues. I struggle with getting enough sleep all the time. Typically I get about 5-6 hours a night which is ok for some people but not me. I require 7 hours to feel well rested. Everyone is different but most adults require 6-8 hours of sleep a night. If you are still having trouble post back. I can post a lot of good information on how you can get a better nights sleep. I have read a lot about this issue.

Get some sleep!!!!!

Thanks for your replies everyone. And, littleshelleys I am interested in any tips you have to get a good night sleep.

I have been TRYING to get a good night sleep. I have been going to bed between 9-9:30 and read, and then turn off the lamp to go to sleep. However, for two nights, I woke at 4 and couldnt get back to sleep and this morning I was up at 2!

Original Post by keb1984:

Thanks for your replies everyone. And, littleshelleys I am interested in any tips you have to get a good night sleep.

I have been TRYING to get a good night sleep. I have been going to bed between 9-9:30 and read, and then turn off the lamp to go to sleep. However, for two nights, I woke at 4 and couldnt get back to sleep and this morning I was up at 2!

 2am was typical for me for quite a while. Now it is 3:00-3:15 so I feel for you. I think stress, hormones, age and lifestyle have a lot of impact on your sleep. Here are a few things that help me

Have a fan running in your bedroom. It is noise but blocks out other noises that can interfere with sleep.

Keep your room cool, but not too cool. To much heat or sweating at night can wake you up.

Cut out caffeine early in the day. I don't use much at all anyway but have it first thing in the morning. Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others. For me if I drink anything with caffeine past noon I have a hard time sleeping.

Don't drink anything the hour or so before bed or you will need to get up and use the bathroom during the night.

Don't take any unnecessary medications, vitamins or herbs.

Exercise. It has been shown to help with sleep.

Eat well. Eating well clean/balanced keeps you healthy. The healthier you are the better your sleep cycles will be.

Get some sunlight if possible during the day.

Don't take naps. For most people napping interferes with sleeping well at night.

Avoid alcohol. It might make you tired but it causes you to wake up more frequently during the night and interferes with normal sleep patterns.

Make sure your bedroom and your bed are comfortable. Plenty of soft pillows and blankets. Soft cotton sheets. Keep your room a calming color. Bright vibrant colors are for energy. Your room should be well ventilated and not stuffy or hot.

Try to keep a regular bedtime. Even on the weekends if possible so your body gets into a routine.

Avoid fatty, rich foods before bed. Instead eat low-fat dairy, turkey, peanut butter, yogurt, cheese, whole grain breads, crackers, cereal and so on, bananas or other fruits.

Before bed don't do anything to physically active, avoid stressful situations. Instead read a good book, listen to some soft music or a TV show that is calming, look at a magazine, meditation, stretching, yoga.