Why Do We Feel Hungrier When We're Tired? Nicole Păcuraru Explains

In a recent edition of the Realitatea medicală segment, Nicole Păcuraru explained why, when we are tired, we tend to eat more and experience stronger food cravings.

According to her explanation, when the body does not get enough rest, it tries to compensate for the lack of energy through hormonal changes: levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger, rise, whilst levels of leptin, the hormone responsible for the feeling of fullness, fall. The result is more intense hunger and greater difficulty feeling satisfied.

At the same time, the brain tends to seek out high-calorie foods in order to obtain energy quickly. This is why, after a night of insufficient sleep, food cravings are stronger and harder to keep in check.

Nicole Păcuraru emphasises that this behaviour has nothing to do with a lack of willpower, but is rather a biological mechanism. Sleep directly influences our food choices, and, according to the doctor, sometimes the most effective "diet" is, in fact, a good night's sleep.