Late night fasting and its effects on sleep deprivation
Posted on: 06/Jun/2015 12:13:55 PM
According to recent researches, if one needs to remain awake during late night hours, refraining from eating snacks can balance the negative effects of sleep deprivation. Findings of the research states consuming lesser food can limit the deficit of concentration and alertness that comes along with sleep deprivation.
Senior author of the study David Dinges of the University of Pennsylvania states adults consume 500 additional calories during late hours of the day when they restrict themselves from sleep.
The research involved studying 44 participants of the age ranging between 21 and 50. They were given limitless access to food and drink throughout the day time followed by sleep for about 4 hours. The procedure was continued for 3 nights.
On the fourth night, just 20 participants were given the same limitless food and drink and the others were given only water after 10.00 pm until their sleeping time at 4 am.
The results saw better performance from those who fasted at late night compared to the ones who ate. This study is presented as sleep 2015, in the 29th annual meeting of the associated professional sleep societies, Seattle, US, between 6th and 10th June.
