STUDY: Saying ‘No’ to Junk Food is Difficult When You’re Sleep-Deprived

Are you a fast food junkie? Perhaps you’re an investment banker who has minimal sleep and is surrounded by – and constantly eating – unhealthy food. Well, when you have those $30/night dinner credits, it’s hard to refrain from ordering a bunch of desserts in addition to your meal. But, is it really the meal budget or your sleep deprivation that’s causing you to munch on junk food?

New research from UC Berkeley suggests that unhealthy food is more appealing to those who are tired. Sleep deprivation causes significantly impaired activity in the area in the frontal lobe of the brain that helps control behavior and make complex choices, which includes making healthier food choices. Read this article from the Atlantic to find out more about this interesting study!