According to a new study, lack of sleep may lead to overeating and improper food choices. In this study, participants who were deprived of sleep could not resist highly palatable and rewarding snacks like candies, cookies, chips and other crunchy snacks even after consuming a meal only 2hrs ago which consisted of 90% of their daily caloric needs. Restriction of sleep increases the hedonic aspect of food intake, according to the researchers, which is the pleasure and satisfaction gained from eating. The participants, when in the phase of completing their sleep, chose food items providing 50% additional calories and fats.
