Young, healthy, normal weight men showed significantly greater hunger when shown pictures of high-calorie foods following one night of sleep deprivation–regardless of blood glucose levels. Participants served as their own controls with tests spaced two weeks apart. The areas of the brain involved in hunger motivation showed greater activity on functional magnetic resonance imaging. People who do not get enough sleep may be more likely to overeat, and a preference for energy-dense foods may predispose them to weight gain.
PositiveTip: When tired and sleep deprived be extra cautious about the desire to eat high-calorie foods.