Women's Health Tips | Women's Health Issues

Tips to improve bone health for women

Are you eating too little? Exercising too much? Have your menstrual periods become irregular or stopped? If so, you may be risking your health by making yourself vulnerable to injuries and other serious problems that could have an adverse effect on your health and active life. You may also develop osteoporosis, a condition where bone density gets decreased, making your bones vulnerable to fracture. Here are some tips for women to improve their bone heath.

Several treatments are available for various joint problems, specifically for arthritis and osteoporosis.  But normal exercise, proper nutrition, and regular checkups could help prevent pain and damage to bones and lead to living a healthier life.

Using Omega-3 fatty acids: A balanced diet complements the building of the right kind of nutrients in the system. Omega-3 fatty acids (or fish-oil supplements) are found in fatty fish like salmon and in some seeds and nuts. Omega-3 supplements intake increases the bone mineral density and decreases the risk of bone damage. Read the rest of this entry »

Different types of birth control methods

Birth control is important for a number of reasons. It helps you limit the number of children you want to have. Also, it makes it possible for you to put off pregnancy till you’re ready to have a baby and raise a family.

As a woman who is not prepared for parenthood just yet, there are several methods available for practicing birth control. The following are some of the main and most popular methods of birth control.

Birth Control using Contraceptives

Birth Control Pills

Undoubtedly, the most well-known birth control methods is through the use of condoms which are readily available everywhere. Condoms are generally very effective against unwanted pregnancies, though they might sometimes break or leak. So, always buy a good brand of condoms that is reputed for the quality, strength and durability of the product. Condoms give you one more major advantage. They provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases too.

Popular as they are, some couples choose not to use condoms. For such people there are other options available that are almost as effective. Like for example, birth control pills that are actually a hormonal birth control method. These pills are hormonal contraceptives which have to be taken one a day for the entire month or three weeks depending on the type of pills you are taking. They prevent pregnancy by stopping your menstrual cycle. But their effect is reversible and you can become pregnant if you stop taking them. Birth control pills however are not recommended for women who are smokers because they may cause health problems for such individuals.

Birth Control Pills

These are some of the existing methods of contraception and you might experience a few side effects while using them. Also, they are designed to stop pregnancy right at the start. That is, if you use a condom, or are on the pill, conception will not be allowed to take place whenever you have sexual intercourse with your partner.

However, for emergency situations, when you need some method of birth control after you have already had Read the rest of this entry »

Abortion Pill for Planned Parenthood

Abortion is the medical termination of pregnancy.  Prior to doing the process, it is advisable to consult a physician and have tests conducted to ascertain that pregnancy has occurred.  Once confirmed, and the fetus is not over nine weeks old, the best way to stop the continuation of pregnancy is to take an abortion pill which will help in the ejection of the uterine contents.

The pill used for abortion is otherwise known as the RU-486 and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to aid the abortion process.  The pill combines two medications – misoprostol and mifepristone, which in combination can assist an abortion within four hours of ingestion.  The effectiveness and safety of this type of abortion is limited if done before the period of nine weeks once pregnancy has occurred.

Under advice of your physician the medications can be administered after you undergo a check to determine your health condition.  The abortion pill is not recommended for a woman who is diagnosed as hypertensive, diabetic, asthmatic or with a cardiac or bleeding problem.  The pill is also not recommended for those who have been diagnosed to have an ectopic pregnancy.

Mifepristone obstructs the production of the hormone progesterone which aids in the maintenance of pregnancy successfully.  Once this hormone is effectively blocked, the lining of the uterus begins to shed and is ejected by means of bleeding through the now softened cervix aborting the contents of the uterus.  Bleeding may be heavy or light as in spotting.  Sometimes bleeding may not occur with mifepristone.  In such a case, the second pill called Misoprostol is prescribed – to be taken within 48 hours of taking the first pill – either orally or vaginally inserted.

Abortion Pill vs Surgical Abortion

The abortion pill has been successful in 95 percent cases in terminating pregnancy effectively if taken within 9 weeks of pregnancy, and comes highly recommended by the World Health Organization as it also prevents maternal death caused by risk of infection in cases of surgery.  It is also comparatively a cheaper option, avoiding the administration of anesthesia and the use of painkillers post operation.  Complications arising after surgery are also avoided thereby reducing further medical treatment.

The only disadvantage of the abortion pill are the chances of bleeding occurrence which may continue for weeks.  In a few rare instances there has also been a stray case of infection developing.  There is also a five percent chance of continuing pregnancy where abortion pills have found to be ineffective.  In a few cases the pill may take a few days to take effect.  It is strongly advised to consult with your doctor in case of any complication like heavy bleeding or a secondary infection arising out of taking an abortion pill.

The abortion pill is available over the counter or at a Planned Parenthood health center at between $350 and $650 and is safe and effective if taken in the early stages of pregnancy, preferably within the first nine weeks.

Medication abortion has come a long way to help with undesired pregnancy.

Preparation for Parenting and Prenatal care

If you are seriously considering getting pregnant or if your pregnancy has just been confirmed, then one of the most important things you need to do right away is get all the information you can about prenatal care to increase your chances of a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.  Prenatal care is even more crucial if you’re going to have your first baby.

Prenatal care is not just about your unborn baby’s health, but also about your own health. And it doesn’t include just health care but also counseling and education on topics ranging from proper nutrition and exercises to the actual delivery of your baby.  During prenatal visits you will have the opportunity to discuss all your concerns regarding your pregnancy and the birth of your baby with your doctor or health care provider.

Prenatal visits to your family physician, gynecologist or midwife will typically be once a month till the seventh or eight month of your pregnancy.  After that you’ll have a weekly schedule till your baby is born.  During the very first visit, lab tests and a thorough check up for pregnancy risk will be done and you’ll be informed of your baby’s due date.

In the course of the next few months, your blood pressure, weight and the expansion of your stomach will be monitored.  Your baby’s growth and heart rate will also be checked.  In addition your health care provider will help you in maintaining a healthy diet and suggest nutritional supplements for the healthy growth of your baby and your own well being.  So make sure you keep all your prenatal appointments.

Prenatal care is also important because in case your baby has any medical conditions or developmental problems they will be detected in time and you will receive the proper medical advice and treatment for taking care of such complications.  Sonograms are performed to monitor the growth of the fetus.  When a sonogram is done you will have the memorable experience of listening to your baby’s heartbeat.

As part of prenatal care, an expectant mother’s blood is also checked for immunity against certain diseases like German measles and chicken pox.  If you get such diseases when you’re pregnant there is a high risk of your fetus developing different types of health problems.

In the last few months, your health care provider will routinely check the position of your fetus and be able to tell you in advance if your delivery will be a normal one or not.

Unfortunately despite being informed about the importance of prenatal care, a number of expectant mothers do not opt for it, mainly because of financial problems.  If you’re uninsured see that you have health insurance and that your insurance plan covers prenatal care.  For women from the low income group who cannot afford health insurance either, there are many health centers that have payment plans to suit them.

In short, your pregnancy should not be taken lightly.  Get prenatal care right from the start to ensure that the risk of you or your baby having any medical complications is as low as possible.

Common Drinks for Stress and Anxiety Management

One of the misgivings of this modern world in which we live is the stressful environment everywhere be it your job or your home.  High blood pressure, anxiety disorders are very common these days because of this stressful life.  So if you have a crazy stressful day at work or home, you surely need to relax and calm down.  There are many ways to calm down – take rest, talk to someone, listen to soothing music, take a hot bath or read an inspiring book.  But do you know that there are some drinks which can also help you calm down and bring down that anxiety and blood pressure levels?  There are indeed some drinks that have properties that help calm you down naturally.  There are five commonly available drinks that can help bring down your pressure levels, as per Reader’s Digest magazine.

1. Drinking a glass of cold water, then going for a walk in the fresh air can do the magic of calming you down.  The water improves your blood circulation and the fresh air stimulate the endorphins that de-stress your body and energizes it.

2. Drinking a cup of green tea also has therapeutic effect. Green tea is packed with theanine, that augments the brain’s output of alpha waves which are responsible for inducing relaxation and reduces the output of beta waves that create tension.

3. Drink black tea instead of coffee.  In a research undertaken by the University College London Read the rest of this entry »

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Pregnancy and Folic Acid

Our body has the capability of producing various nutrients from the food we eat.  Most of what we eat is converted to assist in our body functions and give us energy and keep us healthy.

For a pregnant woman,  folic acid – a B vitamin – is a necessary nutrient.  It is called food for the brain and is required to produce energy and to form red blood cells.  It also helps in fortifying our immunity by assisting in the production and enhancing the performance of white blood cells.

The key function of folic acid during pregnancy is being the catalytic co-enzyme in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, aiding in the process of cell division and replication.  Folic acid helps in metabolizing complex proteins and is used to treat folic acid anemia.  It has also been known to help cure anxiety and depressive disorders as well as in uterine cervical dysplasia treatments.

During pregnancy, folic acid is prescribed to help in the regulation and formation of fetal and embryonic nerve cells, which aid in the normal development of the fetus.

A great number of birth defects pertaining to the brain and spinal cord can be avoided by starting on a proper folic acid regimen prior to and in the initial weeks of pregnancy.  Neural tube defects like anencephaly and spina bifida – which are spinal cord defects, as well as premature birth, can be prevented by starting on the folic acid regimen early on.  Neural tube defects originate in the first month of pregnancy.

It is known that critical processes in the development of the fetus take place during the first six weeks of pregnancy.  For optimum results, the course of therapy of folic acid should commence even before conception and should be maintained over a period of the first trimester of pregnancy, without even waiting to confirm the pregnancy.

Since almost half the women of childbearing age have unplanned pregnancies, it is strongly recommended that these women must ensure there is always a sufficient amount of folic acid in her system prior to becoming pregnant.

Spina bifida, caused by lack of folic acid in a mother-to-be could lead to other dangerous conditions like paralysis of the lower body in a child, or even a miscarriage or stillbirth.  Bowel control and bladder incontinence, as well as cleft palate and lip could also be the result of low or lack of folic acid.

Folic acid is naturally available in foods such as kidney beans, lentils, citrus fruits, whole wheat bread, spinach, and broccoli.  However, if you plan to get pregnant you should start taking vitamins containing folic acid about three months before getting pregnant.

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Does stress contribute to yeast infection?

Studies indicate that the immune system is certainly affected by stress. There are three levels of stress:  Short term stress, Long term stress and Aging stress.

Our body reacts to short term stress by preparing itself to fight back.  A sudden loud noise, a drop from a height are short term stresses experienced by our body which get a rush of adrenaline to fight back.  Short term stress also helps enhance our immune system.

On the other hand, long term stress has the reverse effect.   The reflex to fight back is dulled over a long period of time, bringing in depression and harmful changes in the immune system. Beginning at the cellular level, it slowly effects the entire body’s immune system, bringing in some irreversible changes. The immunity slowly dies down making the body susceptible to viral and bacterial attacks.

Aging stress affects the elderly and sick people.  The degenerating central nervous system slowly becomes desensitized reducing the efficiency of the body’s immune system.  The body’s reaction to any infection is retarded and by the time it does react, the fighting power is already weak, straining the body’s immune system and reducing effectiveness.

What causes yeast infection?

Normal and healthy individuals have a fungi called Candida present in their system.  However, the healthy person’s immune system does not allow the fungus to multiply.  It is when the fungus begins to grow beyond control that yeast infection occurs.  This usually happens when the immune system of the individual is compromised due to some illness or a long term or chronic condition.  The lowered immunity disables the body from fighting back and lets the yeast grow and multiply.

Though men are affected by yeast infection, it is the women who suffer from this condition far more often.  Women often suffer from the vaginal yeast infection because the vagina is close to the excretory system in the female and, therefore, more susceptible to bacterial infection.

Women are also considered to undergo more stress in comparison with males.  They go through life having monthly periods, getting pregnant, illnesses, juggling with their personal life and family and going through menopause.  These stresses play a major role in increasing the chances of being infected with the condition of yeast infection.

Bringing awareness in women and educating them about reducing stress levels by alternative therapies like yoga and meditation will help them relax and avoid getting affected by yeast infection.

Technorati Tags: stress, yeast infection, vaginal yeast infection

Planning to have a baby?

Are you planning to get pregnant? It is always better to plan and prepare for parenthood rather than to start thinking of how you will be able to bring up your child after you realize that you’re pregnant.  Deciding whether or not to bring a new life into the world is a serious matter and demands that you and your spouse or partner are first fully prepared to become parents.

Today, if you want to have a baby, you don’t need to have a man in your life; you can use the services of a sperm bank instead.  But as in most cases, if you have a spouse or male friend who will be fathering your child, then the following are some of the major factors you should take into consideration if you are planning for pregnancy.

How strong is your relationship?

It is always best to make sure your child will be born into a loving home.  If you’re having a hard time adjusting to your husband or partner, and your relationship seems to be shaky, it would be better to put off having a baby for some time.  First resolve your differences and work on your relationship or marriage.

How strong is your financial background?

Having a baby and then raising your child is not going to be cheap.  So ask yourself if you can afford to have a baby now.  If you’re already struggling to make ends meet, don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’ll be able to cope with help from existing financial programs.  The aid provided can never cover all your child-rearing expenses.  So first plan a strategy for earning more money and for reducing unnecessary expenses before you plan to get pregnant.

What kind of healthcare insurance do you have?

Once you’re pregnant there will be prenatal tests to be scheduled, and these could be once or even twice a week towards the last month of your pregnancy.  So if you don’t have health insurance, buy the right policy that covers pregnancy and prenatal care to reduce the cost of having your baby.

Do you have suitable accommodation?

Do you have enough space in your house or are you living in a cramped apartment?  If you don’t have the space for a baby, save enough for investing in a bigger apartment or house before getting pregnant.

Will your career plans be affected?

If the two of you have jobs consider what your career plans are.  Will having a baby interfere with your career goals?  In the event looking after your child does disrupt your career will you and your husband or partner be ready to make sacrifices for the sake of your child?  Discuss this issue between the two of you before deciding to have a baby.  If, at this stage, you discover that you don’t see eye to eye on this issue, don’t rush into getting pregnant till this problem is dealt with.

After carefully mulling over these points, if you and your spouse or live-in partner decide that you’re ready to have a baby, gather all the information you can about pregnancy by talking to your doctor and your parents, referring to birthing and pregnancy books, and also researching the topic on the internet.

A final word of advice.  Having a baby has to be your decision as a couple.  Don’t give in to pressure from family and friends.

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Female Body Hair Removal

For many women one of their pet peeves is unsightly or excess body hair. But luckily, there are several options available for getting rid of such unwanted hair, in some cases for good.  Whether it is upper lip fuzz or hairy legs, you don’t have to live with such problems.  Hair removal is the answer.

When you want to remove undesirable body hair you can either go for temporary or more permanent solutions.  Sometimes, the body hair can be abnormally excessive because of a hereditary problem or an underlying medical condition.  In such cases a more permanent solution would be the best option.  So let us give you a quick overview of the different methods for body hair removal.

The most commonly used method of hair removal is shaving.  The frequency of using this method varies from individual to individual depending on the rate of hair growth.  For some woman shaving can be a once a week ritual, others may have to shave their armpits or legs twice a week.  But while shaving is quick and cheap it is only a temporary solution.  Also, it is not suitable for shaving certain areas of the body, particularly the face, for it can make the unwanted body hair problem even worse.

Another popular option preferred by a lot of women is waxing.  Today there are a number of ways of doing this. Waxing can be done at beauty salons, but home waxing kits are also available in the market for performing a waxing job in the comfort and privacy of your home.  The advantages of waxing include an affordable price and the slightly more lasting solution than shaving that it offers.

Hair removal creams are yet another option for removing your unwanted body hair.  They are fairly easy to use, but not all of them work the same way or produce the same results.  So you might need to experiment with different brands of hair removal cream before you find the one that suits you the best.  If you decide on using a hair removal cream make sure you read the directions for use thoroughly and carefully before applying it.

Some require a test application to check for allergic reactions, while others can be used only for specific areas of your body safely.  Waxing generally needs to be done around once a month.

Laser Hair Removal for Women

The most permanent solution for unwanted body hair is laser hair removal which can keep the hair off for up to a year or for good.  Laser hair removal is gaining in popularity for many reasons.  For one, it can be used for any part of the body, and secondly, it is often permanent for a lot of people.  In this method, light energy goes through the hair shaft and destroys the hair’s root.

Experts say laser hair removal does not work so well on white or blond hair.  Also, many women don’t choose this procedure because of the high cost.  But though it is much costlier than other options like shaving or waxing, if you think long-term and consider how much you will save by being spared the expenses for shaving, waxing or purchasing hair removal creams over a long period of time, laser hair removal will work out to be much less expensive than it appears at the start.

Top must-have foods for women

It is not easy to chalk out a diet plan for women.  A diet plan that keeps a check on the weight might not always ensure that you get all the necessary nutrients.  The diet plan should mark a balance between the two. When you go about creating the wholesome diet plan to cater to women, it is going to be very important that you lay some effort and time into picking out the foods that you will be dishing up every day.  There are some must have foods which provide essential nutrients and do not lead to weight gain.

Women who make such clever food choices are likely to observe superior levels of energy, extra control over their food cravings, improved focus and concentration, as well as overall more effective weight loss progress. In other words, you must make correct food choices. Let us have a fast look at a few of the top 6 healthy foods which all women should include in their daily diet.

Top 6 foods all women should eat

1. Salmon

Salmon is a great choice because it is a great source of vital fatty acids and it is rich in protein content. Read the rest of this entry »

High Heels pose danger to Women’s Health

Many women have suffered on the altar of fashion, sacrificing their calves and feet at the cost of wanting to look good, by wearing high heels. They might help you look taller, but do more damage than good for your health by aggravating already existing foot problems and also causing various kinds of pain in the legs and back.

Here are the results of a study done on the consistent use of high heels and the changes they effect on body posture and muscles causing permanent damage, before you step into those stilettos.

Risks of Wearing High Heels

Wearing high heels over a long period of time shortens the fibers in your calf muscles and brings about drastic changes in them. Any limb that is forced to stay in a tightened position over a lengthy period of time inadvertently plays a role in shortening muscles of that limb, and this has been conclusively proven by orthopedists.

A study was conducted by the Vienna University and the Manchester Metropolitan University on a sample of two groups of women with ages 20 to 50 years who were in the habit of regularly wearing high heels of a minimum height of 5 cm over the last two years and women wearing footwear with no heels. The aim was to do a comparative study on the collective outcome on the muscles of their calves.

At the outset, Magnetic Resonance Imaging to make a comparison of the calf muscle size of all the women revealed that they were the same for both the women that wore high heels Read the rest of this entry »

Ten Best Anti-aging foods

All of us fear age showing up on our cheerful faces in the form of wicked wrinkles.  Why not eat some healthy foods and delay the signs of aging rather than sit back and mourn helplessly.  Here is a list of top 10 Anti-aging foods that are sure to slowdown your aging process.

1. Avocado:

The fruit Avocado helps to maintain healthy skin and also avoids skin aging. It is a good source of monounsaturated fat that helps reduce the cholesterol in the body.  Avocado is also a good source of Vitamin E which helps to alleviate menopausal hot flushes.  It is also a good source of Potassium which helps to prevent high blood pressure and fluid retention.

2. Cruciferous Vegetables:

The cruciferous vegetables include Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, Radish, Brussels and Turnip.  These vegetables fight against body toxins and cancer.  Try to consume these vegetables daily either raw or semi-cooked so that the enzymes remain intact.

3. Berries:

Blackberries, blueberries, black current and grapes can be included in this group.  The berries contain flavonoids which are very powerful antioxidants.  Berries also prevent toxin buildup in the body. Read the rest of this entry »

Emergency contraception as a choice

Preventive measures taken to avoid pregnancy after conception is emergency contraception. Unplanned pregnancy occurs when adequate measures of birth control have not been taken, or if a condom has broken during intercourse or you have forgotten to take your pill.  In some cases, a rape victim could also get pregnant.

In order to not let the pregnancy run its complete course of gestation and to terminate it, a failsafe method is emergency contraception.  The only requirement is that it should be used right away or as close to the period after sexual intercourse as possible.  That way you will not only avoid the unplanned pregnancy, you will also save yourself the stress and anxiety waiting for your next monthly period.

Methods of Emergency Contraception

There are two ways of practicing emergency contraception – through pills and by have a copper T intrauterine device inserted by a physician.

The IUD or intrauterine device is hassle-free.  It is a device made of plastic and coated with copper to kill sperms and shaped like a T.   Once inserted, you do not have to worry about conceiving. The copper T IUD is also effective if inserted within 5 to 7 days of unprotected intercourse in order to avoid a pregnancy.  If in future, you do plan to conceive, you can do so by having the IUD removed by your doctor.  The IUD is far more expensive – almost $500, but once inserted, they last for up to 10 years.  It is best not to have an IUD inserted if you have some kind of a sexually transmitted disease or a pelvic infection, as it would worsen the condition and also prevent having children in future.

Birth Control Pills as Emergency Contraception

Taking a pill for emergency contraception is not only safe, it is also far cheaper and can be done without the help or need of a doctor.   The pill is also called the “morning-after” pill and is easily available over the counter.   If unprotected sex has occurred, the pill must be taken within 5 days after the event in order to avoid a pregnancy.  Taking it sooner would be more effective.  The pill contains hormones like progestin and estrogen in combination or only progestin.

There are some birth control pills available that also double up for emergency contraception.  Checking with your doctor will help identify which of these are safe and sure.

How Emergency Contraception works?

Prevention of ovum secretion, fertilization and implantation is what emergency contraception does.  The release of the egg or ovum is prevented from taking place by hormones present in the pill which then stops fertilization from occurring.  The hormones also get the fallopian tubes to relax and disallows the ovum’s progress towards the uterus. The endometrium or the uterus lining is also thinned out by the hormone and it is rendered incapable of letting the fertilized egg to implant and gestate.

Where to buy Emergency Contraception pill?

Emergency contraception pills can be bought over the counter by women over the age of 17 without any prescription, though proof of age will need to be provided.

Foods for Healthy Heart Diet

Moderation is the key to good health.  The needs of our body are limited.  All one needs to do is to exercise some restraint for a healthy body. Eating the right kind of food will also help in diabetes control, in good eyesight and even cure you of any problems related to digestion and help aid proper bowel movement.  Here are some foods that should constitute a part of your diet to keep your heart healthy.

Leafy vegetables:  A lot has been written and said about fenugreek and spinach being the best sources of niacin and vitamin B-complex. These prevent clots from forming in our blood vessels and also prevent arteries from getting hard. Bell peppers, citrus fruits and berries are some more sources of vitamin B-complex.

Milk and milk products:  Fatty acids present in milk and milk products are a tremendous source of polyphenols (which not only help lower blood pressure but also care for our blood vessels) and antioxidants. In combination, the antioxidants and polyphenols avert heart diseases.

Egg whites:  If you want to go in for a protein-rich diet, make egg whites an essential part of your food intake. They contain iron, choline, folates, are free of cholesterol and have decreased calories. Egg yolks are best avoided as they increase cholesterol levels and are very unsafe for those with heart ailments.

Whole-wheat:  Whole-wheat supplies our body with much needed fiber for digestion as well as essential vitamins and minerals. The fiber present in whole-wheat helps in reducing LDL – low-density lipid cholesterol by binding with it and helping flush it out of our system. Whole grains, barley and oats are other fiber-rich foods.

Olive oil:  Adding olive oil to your salads or using it for frying foods is a great way to decrease your LDL levels. Read the rest of this entry »

Can’t Lose Weight? Get Some Sleep

There is nothing more important than getting a full eight-hour sleep.  It not only relaxes the mind and body but also helps in metabolizing all the excess fat in your body.  Scientists at the University of Chicago have researched this fact and proven it to be a reality.  Missing out on the appropriate amount of sleep can cut down your loss of fat.  So if you are on a diet with the aim to lose fat, make sure you get your fair share of sleep.

Is weight gain related to loss of sleep?

The scientists at Chicago University have proved that people who are on a strict diet with an aim of losing fat have lost less weight in comparison with people who were getting a good night’s sleep.  They opine that cutting down on sleep time increases the manufacture of the ghrelin hormone, which in turn makes you lethargic and prone to pangs of hunger.  It also makes you physically less active and slows down the process of burning fat.

How sleep loss slow down fat loss

A part of our brain called the hypothalamus is responsible for regulation of our appetite.  Two hormones play a critical part in the regulation of the food we eat: leptin which is released by our fat cells, and ghrelin, which stimulates appetite.  A part of the hypothalamus is activated due to lack of sleep, which affects the ghrelin level and makes it rise.  Increase in ghrelin levels leads to increased appetite.  On the other hand, with lack of sleep, leptin levels fall indicating to the brain that the person feels starved.  Between the two hormones sending wrong signals to the brain, the person ends up feeling starved and hungry.  And the person ends up eating and adding on more weight.

A sleepy person’s mind is confused enough psychologically to not be able to fight the hunger cravings caused due to a fall in his energy levels bringing in a feeling of fatigue and tiredness.  The person understands it to confuse his lack of sleep to feeling hungry.

People suffering from a condition of lack of sleep often end up becoming obese.  This condition is called sleep apnea.   Both obesity and sleep apnea are interdependent and one gives rise to the other and forms a continuing cycle because sleep deprivation gives rise to tiredness misinterpreted as lack of energy which prevents the person from indulging in any activity or exercise.  The person eats to get energy which then, combined with lack of exercise, leads to obesity.

It is, therefore, very necessary to get adequate sleep in order to escape the dangers of obesity.  It is absolutely essential to start eating healthy, exercising regularly and practicing healthy sleeping habits to enjoy a healthy life.