How does disrupted sleep affect appetite hormones like leptin and ghrelin?

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Disrupted Sleep Alters Appetite Hormones by Reducing Leptin and Increasing Ghrelin

Insufficient sleep, even when associated with enjoyable events like the World Cup, significantly impacts the body's appetite regulation. A single night of lost sleep causes a decrease in leptin, the hormone responsible for signalling satiety or fullness, while simultaneously increasing ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger. This hormonal shift can lead to heightened cravings, making it more difficult to resist urges for food, such as the common post-match "mamak" run.
Hormonal Imbalance Following Sleep Deprivation

The physiological response to sleep loss directly affects key appetite-regulating hormones. Specifically, leptin levels, which inform the brain that the body has had enough to eat, are reduced. Conversely, ghrelin levels rise, prompting feelings of hunger and a desire to consume more food. This dual effect creates a biological impetus towards increased food intake, contributing to the feeling of compulsion rather than choice when seeking food after a period of wakefulness.
Impact on Eating Habits and Cravings

This disruption in leptin and ghrelin signalling plays a substantial role in the increased propensity for unhealthy eating habits following sleep deprivation. The elevated ghrelin and reduced leptin create a physiological state where individuals are more likely to overeat or crave calorie-dense foods. This hormonal rewiring explains why the allure of late-night eateries or high-energy snacks becomes particularly strong when sleep has been compromised, as seen during extended sporting events.
Broader Health Implications of Irregular Sleep

Beyond immediate appetite changes, irregular sleep patterns, such as those experienced during prolonged tournaments, can have wider health consequences. Consistently disrupted sleep is linked to poorer metabolic and cardiovascular health outcomes. Experts note that the effects of lost sleep can linger, potentially exacerbating existing conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, and increasing overall health risks.

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How does disrupted sleep affect appetite hormones like leptin and ghrelin?

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