How does sleep deprivation affect leptin levels?

Sleep deprivation has a significant effect on the levels of leptin, which is a hormone produced by adipose tissue that plays a key role in regulating energy balance and appetite. When an individual experiences sleep deprivation, the body's production of leptin decreases.

Lower levels of leptin lead to increased appetite because leptin's primary function is to signal to the brain that the body has enough energy stores and suppress hunger. When leptin levels drop due to insufficient sleep, the body does not receive this signal effectively, which can result in increased feelings of hunger and ultimately lead to overeating. This mechanism can contribute to weight gain and obesity, especially in individuals who are regularly sleep-deprived.

Understanding the relationship between sleep and hormones like leptin is critical for addressing issues related to obesity and weight management.