Five Causes of Skimping on Sleep

Health hazard! Skimping on sleep can make you...

Fat
Research shows that people who get fewer than seven hours of sleep a night are 30 percent more likely to be obese. Lack of sleep alters the flow of hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, which can cause you to eat more. And when you're sleepy, you're more likely to reach for high-fat, high-calorie foods to keep you going.

Prone to Heart Disease
Women who regularly get fewer than five hours of sleep per night are significantly more likely to suffer from hypertension--a leading heart disease risk factor, according to a recent study. When you're sleep-deprived, your body produces more stress hormones and other substances that increase inflammation, which can up you risk of heart disease and stroke. read more...