Recent studies have shown that sleep plays an important role in metabolism. One of these studies tests the hypothesis that circulating levels of leptin, a hormone that signals energy balance to the brain, are influenced by sleep duration. Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells. It helps regulate appetite and metabolism by acting on feeding centers in the brain. High levels of the hormone help you eat less while low levels increase your appetite and cause you to eat more. A recent study revealed that leptin levels may drop with a lack of sleep. Your blood levels of leptin appear to decrease when you experience sleep deprivation, according to this new research. Make one of your new year's resolutions be to keep leptin levels high and curb overeating and weight gain by getting at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night.

- posted by Jen's Journal @ 8:02 PM