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Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey

Less Sleep Brings on the Munchies: Lack of Zzzs Increases Appetite

Recent research from the University of Chicago’s Sleep, Health and Metabolism Center has found that not getting enough sleep increases a cannabinoid chemical in the body that increases appetite. The result is a lack of control in snacking.

The researchers tested 14 young adults by comparing the results of four nights of normal sleep with four nights of only four-and-a-half hours of sleep. The researchers found that after reduced sleep, the subjects’ hunger increased significantly and their ability to resist afternoon snacking decreased.

This surge in snacking urges also matched significantly increased circulating levels of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol, which peaked in the afternoon, coinciding with the increase in snack cravings.

“We found that sleep restriction boosts a signal that may increase the hedonic aspect of food intake,” concludes lead study author Erin Hanlon, Ph.D., from the University of Chicago Medical Center.

5 Top Tips to Finding Your Next Doctor

1 Keep an Open Mind! Healthcare has come a long way. Today, you have access to practitioners that branch outside of traditional medicine and aim to identify the root causes of conditions while using alternative treatments that may help you get the relief you need. Just because it’s not a pill, doesn’t make it pseudoscience.

2 Build Your Health Care Team. There is no one doctor that can be the be-all-end-all for your health needs. Be sure to have a team of practitioners with different “lenses” and areas of expertise who will treat the root cause and not just the symptom(s).

3   Environment Influences Healing. Health is multi-factorial. Your mental and emotional environment plays a pivotal role in your healing potential. Your doctors and their staff should create an office atmosphere filled with positivity so you can get the most out of your care.

4 Your Story Matters.  Before you begin any treatment, be sure to have a comprehensive consultation to discuss your health concerns. Find practitioners who welcome questions and will take the time to listen and treat you with respect.

5 Report of Findings. When it comes to our health, we often make decisions without understanding the risk versus benefits. Knowledge is an important part of the healing process and is essential to make conscious, informed health decisions. Find practitioners who take the time to explain their exam findings and the recommendations for treatment in ways that make sense to you.

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