YOUR SLEEP MACHINE

Sleep is magic when it comes to your health— and your hormones. While you sleep, your body releases all kinds of hormones, including cortisol and insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Lack of sleep can disrupt how hormones behave in the body.

“Poor sleep can increase activation of the stress response, including cortisol. On the other side of the coin, if you are stressed with high cortisol, it can disrupt your sleep pattern, leading perhaps to a vicious circle,” says

Dr. Kevin Murphy. Studies show that lack of sleep leads to increased ghrelin levels (more info at left). Some experts believe decreased sleep is a key factor in the rising cases of childhood obesity.