Sleep plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to manage weight, including the loss of belly fat. Research has shown that there is a strong connection between sleep patterns and fat storage, particularly around the abdominal area.
Poor or insufficient sleep can lead to a variety of hormonal imbalances, which in turn, affect appetite, metabolism, and fat accumulation.
One of the key hormones involved is cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone. When we don’t get enough sleep, cortisol levels rise, which can trigger fat storage, especially in the abdominal region.
High cortisol levels have been linked to an increase in visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs and is considered more dangerous than subcutaneous fat.
Furthermore, sleep deprivation also affects the hormones ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin is responsible for stimulating hunger, while leptin signals to the brain when we are full.
Lack of sleep increases ghrelin levels, making us feel hungrier, and decreases leptin levels, making it harder for us to feel satisfied after eating.
This imbalance can lead to overeating, particularly high-calorie foods, which contribute to belly fat.
In addition to hormonal changes, poor sleep can also impair the body’s ability to regulate insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.
Insulin resistance, which is more likely to develop with poor sleep, is associated with higher fat storage, especially around the abdomen.