Why You Should Never Go to Bed Hungry
Stomach growling right before bedtime? If you're truly feeling hungry (versus just having the munchies — you know the difference), experts say maybe it's better to have a little snack now instead of waiting for breakfast. Here are 11 potential effects on your body if you make a habit of going to bed hungry.
1. Difficulty Falling Asleep
Hunger pangs keep your brain mentally alert, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
2. Increased Cravings
Depriving yourself of sleep every night can increase production of ghrelin, also known as the "hunger hormone." The next day, you may find your appetite has increased, leading to more intense cravings and possibly unhealthy food choices.
3. Potential Weight Gain
Hoping the scale will reward you for going to bed with an empty belly? Experts say that ironically, falling asleep on an empty stomach may actually lead to weight gain, rather than loss. If your body realizes you're consistently undereating, it will work to slow your metabolism to conserve energy.
4. Low Blood Sugar
If you sleep on an empty stomach, you can wake up with low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. This can lead to headaches and dizziness.
5. Mood Changes
And when your blood sugar plummets, it affects your serotonin levels, causing mood swings. If you've ever experienced "hanger" — irritability when you're hungry – you're already familiar with this effect.
6. Blood Pressure Changes
Feeling dizzy or faint after waking up? If you fasted overnight, it could be a result of your blood pressure dropping.
7. Impaired Cognition
Having difficulty concentrating after going to bed hungry? Hunger and low blood sugar can have a negative effect on your mental performance.
8. Decreased Energy Levels
Not surprisingly, if you wake up without having eaten, you may feel less energetic and more tired.
9. Nutrient Deficiencies
If you make a habit of going to bed hungry, experts say you may actually be depriving your body of essential vitamins and minerals, if you're not taking in enough during the rest of your meals.
10. Muscle Mass Loss
Without adequate nutrients coming in, your body may actually target your muscle tissue and break that down to use as energy while you sleep.
11. Weakened Immune System
Do you get ill easily? A lack of sufficient nutrients in your body can impair your immune system and make you more susceptible to sickness.
Now, it's important to note that if you only occasionally go to bed hungry, experts say you're probably not harming your body. However, if you're intentionally sleeping on an empty stomach on a regular basis, then you're likely chronically under-nourishing yourself, and you likely will experience some or all of these effects. Beyond that, you may also experience hormonal imbalances, dehydration, increased stress levels, digestive issues and impaired healing.
Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietician for personalized advice if you're experiencing persistent hunger or considering changing your eating habits.
References: Should You Go to Bed Hungry? | 7 Things that Could Happen If You Go to Bed Hungry | To Snack or Not to Snack: What Happens When You Go to Bed Hungry | Is It A Bad Thing To Go To Sleep Hungry?
