Lack of Sleep Increases Snacking

Lack of sleep can lead to excessive snacking, according to a University of Chicago study.

It included 11 healthy volunteers who each completed two 14-day laboratory studies at least three months apart. The participants had 5.5-hour or 8.5-hour sleep sessions and ad lib food intake, United Press International reported.

When their sleep times were limited to 5.5 hours, the participants consumed more energy from snacks and their carbohydrate content of snacks also increased, the study found.

This type of snacking may contribute to the increased risk of weight gain and obesity associated with inadequate sleep, said study leader Dr. Plamen Penev, UPI reported.

The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.