Bedtime mistake is ruining your sleep and hindering weight loss, experts warn

15 March 2024 , 13:42

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You could be keeping yourself awake without realising (stock photo) (Image: Getty images)

Many Brits are in a desperate pursuit for better sleep - but a whopping number of people are guilty of a bad habit that hinders progress.

Research from MyFitnessPal has shown that Brits are falling foul to the midnight munchies, with a huge 45% of people admitting to getting out of bed to eat a snack after their evening meal and completing their nighttime routine, including brushing their teeth.

This is causing problems with sleep, as 40% of people struggle to drift off when they've eaten late at night, and 25% of late night munchers feel exhausted, and even hungrier, the following day.

Experts warn that disrupted sleep patterns only lead to increased appetite and sugar cravings, which in turn leave us feeling even more tired and ravenous. MyFitnessPal's UK Nutritional Expert, Amanda Hamilton says: "Poor sleep disrupts the balance of ghrelin and leptin, the hormones responsible for regulating appetite and satiety.

‌"This imbalance can lead to increased hunger and decreased feelings of fullness. Simply put, if you don't sleep well, you are more likely to eat more throughout the following day and feel less satisfied."

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‌So what are people snacking on when they get up in the middle of the night? 28% of people opted for cheese, 26% of people chowed down on milk chocolate, and 21% preferred something savoury, enjoying a bag of crisps. A hefty 21% of people choose cold pizza, 12% cereal, and 12% opt for leftover takeaway that they heat up. Nearly half (45%) of people feel guilty for giving in to their late-night cravings.

‌The research discovered Brits are also eating their evening meal later, with 57% of people not sitting down until 9pm, with reasons including getting home late, and being too stressed to eat earlier.

The findings also found that 10.20pm is the nation's bedtime, with the average Brit getting seven hours sleep a night. As a result of this, 29% of people admit that they feel constantly tired, and in turn, this leads to them feeling more hungry.

Danielle Kate Wroe