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Why Sleep Deprivation Makes You Crave Junk Food

Oct 9 • 1 minute read

Ever notice how after a bad night's sleep, junk food suddenly becomes irresistible?  There’s actually a fascinating science behind it!



When you’re low on sleep, your body starts playing tricks on you. It produces more ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and less leptin, the "I’m full" hormone. This hormonal shift tricks your brain into thinking you need more food than you actually do. But it doesn’t stop there—your sleep-deprived brain has a specific craving for sugary, fatty comfort foods like donuts and pizza!



Research has found that sleep deprivation can raise levels of certain endocannabinoids, which are natural chemicals produced by the body. These molecules are key players in regulating appetite and also heighten your sensitivity to smells—especially food aromas! This means that when you're sleep-deprived, not only do you feel hungrier, but you're also more easily tempted by the scent of tasty treats. You can dive deeper into the study here.



To make matters worse, when you’re under stress, lack of sleep boosts cortisol (the stress hormone), making you crave comfort foods to cope—even when you’re not physically hungry. It’s no wonder we tend to grab a snack after sleepless nights!



While these cravings are a natural response to sleep deprivation, it’s important to remember that sleep deprivation has many root causes that should be addressed. Whether it's insomnia or other sleep disorders, it’s essential to get to the bottom of what's disrupting your rest. Check out this guide to learn more about the causes and how you can start fixing them.



So, next time you catch yourself reaching for that extra slice of pizza after a poor night's sleep, just remember—it’s your hormones, endocannabinoids, and brain playing tricks on you!

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