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Sleep Deprivation: Why It Makes You Eat 385 More Calories a Day

Sleep Deprivation: Why It Makes You Eat 385 More Calories a Day

Sleep deprivation doesn't just harm your health and daily performance—it can derail your weight management efforts. Research reveals that insufficient sleep leads to significantly higher calorie intake.

A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people consumed an average of 385 extra calories the day after a night of poor sleep.

Read also: 'These are the occupations with the most sleep deprivation'

Eat More, Exercise Less

Study participants favored fatty foods over protein after restless nights and felt less inclined to exercise, reducing calorie burn. Sleeping less than 7-9 hours nightly while adding 385 calories daily can result in gaining about half a kilogram in just 9 days.

Hormones at Play

Experts note that sleep loss disrupts appetite-regulating hormones like leptin (which signals fullness) and ghrelin (which stimulates hunger), intensifying cravings. It also drives impulsive snacking for emotional rewards. Here are 6 tips to sleep better.