Sleep deficiency and excessive weight are related. This is a proven fact. 95% of the pathogenic components that contribute to overweight are due to various metabolic, neurochemical, and hormonal mechanisms. They are associated with depression, anxiety, excessive sleepiness, circadian rhythm, and eating disorders. Sleep deficiency contributes to weight gain. In turn, the effects of obesity on sleep are well-known. It’s a vicious circle. But we will tell you what to do! Let’s look at the connection between excessive weight and mental health! Our article contains the findings of popular studies and useful recommendations.
So, sleep deficiency disrupts the body’s hormonal balance. It also affects the important hormones. Leptin levels, which suppress appetite, decrease. Ghrelin levels, which stimulate hunger, increase. You feel like you’re consuming more food than you need. Sleep deficit is directly linked to higher cortisol levels and growth hormone deficiency. It contributes to obesity. Sleep shortage also negatively impacts your metabolism. Stressed people often choose high-calorie foods, especially when their appetite increases late at night. Nervous people feel more tired during the day. They exercise less and increasingly turn to sweets to feel better. This is the wrong way! Poor sleep leads to weight gain. It can make sleep problems worse.
People who are obese are more likely to report sleep problems, including insomnia, than people of a healthy weight. They often feel sleepy and tired during the day. Obesity sometimes affects sleep quality by disrupting sleep-wake cycles or affecting metabolism. Being overweight can increase pressure on the chest and airways, contributing to sleep apnea.
Children need more sleep to grow and develop. Sleep shortage causes hormonal changes similar to those seen in adults. This leads to increased appetite and weight gain. Lack of sleep causes daytime fatigue, which reduces children’s physical activity levels. Research shows that children who go to bed later are more likely to consume unhealthy foods. This further increases the risk of becoming overweight. Children should consistently get adequate sleep. This is essential to prevent obesity and related health issues.
Obesity causes other health problems too. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Obesity is a known risk factor for GERD. In this case, stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort. GERD symptoms are often worse when lying down, which can interfere with sleep. This makes weight control even more difficult.
It’s seven times more common in people who are obese. It is a sleep disorder in which the airway collapses during sleep, causing loud snoring and difficulty breathing. Being overweight sometimes increases the likelihood and severity of this condition. Obstructive sleep apnea disrupts sleep and leads to daytime fatigue.
It is often associated with sleep problems, including insomnia. It affects up to 75% of persons with depression. Poor sleep quality and weight gain can exacerbate each other. Anxiety and weight gain are related.
Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of cartilage. Obesity puts extra stress on joints. This can worsen osteoarthritis symptoms and cause pain. It interferes with sleep.
Overweight increases the risk of asthma. It can worsen symptoms. Many people with asthma experience coughing and shortness of breath that interfere with sleep. Asthma-related sleep disruption sometimes leads to fatigue.
The study involved 75 patients diagnosed with obesity and 75 healthy individuals of the same age. Various anthropometric indices were assessed. Psychological status was assessed using scales such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Dutch Eating Questionnaire, etc. Quality of life was assessed using a 36-item short questionnaire. Obese patients had significantly higher blood pressure, glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, and leptin levels, as well as lower serotonin levels compared to the control group. Severe symptoms of anxiety and depression accompanied these changes. A positive correlation was found between leptin levels and depression, anxiety, eating behavior, and sleepiness. A negative correlation was noted with serotonin levels. All patients in the study had abdominal obesity. A close relationship was found between abdominal obesity, psychoemotional disorders, sleep and eating behavior problems, metabolic dysfunctions, and altered leptin and serotonin levels.
Improving the quality of your sleep can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health.
High-carbohydrate diets can disrupt deep sleep, and eating too close to bedtime can lead to poor sleep patterns.
Regular physical activity can enhance your sleep quality and help relieve daytime fatigue. Exercising outdoors is especially beneficial, as exposure to natural light can regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
Choose a supportive mattress that promotes proper spinal alignment and balanced pressure.
Sleep hygiene is a set of practices that support healthy sleep. This includes establishing a regular schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, and avoiding stimulating activities before bed.
Breaking the cycle of sleep loss and weight gain can be challenging. It’s important to work with your doctor. We can provide personalized advice on weight management, sleep improvement strategies, and any treatments needed.
There is growing recognition of the impact of sleep quality and duration on obesity and mental health. Poor sleep worsens mood disorders, depression, and anxiety, particularly among people with extreme obesity. Long and short sleep durations are associated with higher rates of overweight. Low-quality sleep is associated with a higher BMI and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Being overweight potentially leads to further sleep disorders. Obesity has a great impact on mental well-being. Depression is common in patients with obesity. It sometimes interferes with successful weight loss and maintenance.
Obesity not only increases the risk of various physical health issues but also profoundly affects sleep. People who are overweight often have trouble sleeping. Diseases that are common in overweight patients can further complicate the quality of sleep. Addressing sleep disorders helps to normalize weight. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor! We enjoy serving our patients through the physical therapy services. Our team is always happy to help.