Insomnia is a condition whereby the sufferer has difficulty falling asleep, suffers from diminished sleep quality, or has a reduced duration of sleep. Current estimates indicate that around 30 % of adults suffer from insomnia in Western countries. Insomnia is of concern because current medical evidence suggests that those individuals with insomnia are at a greater risk of a number of detrimental health effects and diseases including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and obesity. A large body of evidence supports the contention that poor quality sleep is associated with increased energy intake and weight gain. For example, in one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, men with insomnia had a 35.8 kcal per day higher energy intake compared to those men who had higher quality sleep. Further those men with insomnia had increased intake of trans fats and sodium, but lower intakes of vegetables, suggesting that they may have been eating lower quality foods.
Stress is a probably cause of weight gain and insomnia. This may explain the link between insomnia and weight gain. Stress can also cause the development of mood disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression can be a direct cause of insomnia. To help combat the effects of stress and mood disorders, simple herbal remedies such as chamomile tea can he as effective as pharmaceutical medication. These are worth considering if there is a feeling that a stress, insomnia, weight gain spiral has been initiated, as they can break this spiral and help the individual return to good health.
The link between poor sleep quality and poor dietary habits may centre on the development of stress. Stress is a complex condition that varies subjectively between individuals, but is generally described as as activation of the stress response due to a perceived threat. If the stress response becomes chronic, as can happen in modern life, there is a shift in the metabolism of the individual and eating habits can change. One notable change is an increase in the intake of high energy refined carbohydrate foods such as chips, crisps and other snack foods. These foods are often referred to as comfort foods for good reason, as their intake results in a short term elevation of mood, that may counter the depressed mood associated with stress. In this regard, the effects of the food are drug-like, and this can lead to addiction to the foods and overeating. Treating weight gain therefore requires an element of consideration of stress, and removal of stress can not only help weight loss but also improve sleep quality and the overall quality of life.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, protect Yourself
RdB
