Sleep affects metabolism, weight, and mental health. In numerous ways, poor sleep quality can cause belly fat:
Sleep loss disrupts hunger and satiety hormones including ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin, the "hunger hormone," increases with poor sleep, increasing appetite and desires for high-calorie foods.
Insulin resistance raises blood insulin levels, encouraging fat storage, especially around the abdomen.
Poor diets and energy-dense food consumption can cause weight gain and abdominal fat.
Sleep deprivation affects metabolism, especially glucose processing and storage. Reduced metabolic efficiency may cause excess calories to be stored as fat, especially around the abdomen.
Cortisol stimulates belly fat storage, hence high amounts are linked to obesity.
Circadian rhythm disruptions can cause hunger and metabolic disorders and weight gain.
Sleep deprivation may boost late-night munching. Late-night eating, especially calorie-dense foods, can cause weight gain and belly fat.