How Sleep Loss Produces Obesity

Several factors are at work in producing obesity during sleep loss. Thus, increased secretion of the hormone ghrelin may be one of the factors involved.


We all need to sleep. All living beings need to sleep. This applies to creatures living in water as well. Even marine creatures which appear to move all the time go to sleep by shutting down one half of their brains in a phenomenon called hemispheric sleep. It is clear that sleep is essential and plays an important role in the well being of living creatures. In spite of its importance, the phenomenon is shrouded in mystery. Even as we sleep, there are regions in the brain which continue to be active. These regions belong to the autonomic nervous system which controls our involuntary activities. This means that these activities are not under our control. The rhythmic contraction of the heart enabling blood to be pumped continuously is the best example. The heart does not function under our orders.





Content Source: Bukisa - How Sleep Loss Produces Obesity