Our bodies are designed with a precise balance of interactions of many enzymes and hormones. This design allows us to function without even knowing that all of this chemistry is going on. However, when something occurs that upsets this balance, the body can no longer manage the daily events as designed and changes begin to occur in our body.

Experts agree that when you don’t get enough sleep, it drives leptin levels down, which means you don’t feel as satisfied after you eat. Lack of sleep also causes ghrelin levels to rise, which means your appetite is stimulated, so you want more food. The two acting together can set the stage for unwanted weight gain. If a person has struggled with unwanted weight gain or the inability to lose weight, an untreated sleep disorder may be to blame.

A quality night’s sleep is important for good rest, but it is also critical to the nourishment of our much needed chemistry.