The Surprising Link Between Dieting and Sleep
If you're dieting but struggling to lose weight, your sleep habits might be part of the problem. Research shows that lack of sleep doesn't just leave you tired—it can actually increase hunger and cravings, especially for high-carb, high-fat foods.
When you don't get enough rest, your body produces more ghrelin (the "hunger hormone") and less leptin (the "fullness hormone"). This hormonal shift can make you feel hungrier than you actually are, pushing you to overeat. Even worse, sleep deprivation tends to increase cravings for comfort foods like chips, cookies, and other refined carbs and fats—exactly the kinds of foods that can sabotage a diet.
Studies have shown that people who sleep fewer than 6 hours a night eat significantly more calories the next day compared to those who are well-rested. Lack of sleep impairs decision-making and lowers willpower, making it harder to stick to your healthy eating plan.
If you're trying to lose weight, getting 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night is just as important as choosing the right foods. Sleep isn't just rest—it's a secret weapon for successful dieting.