Sleep May Help You Eat Healthier

A new study examined the relationships between sleep, job strain and food choices.

The Harvard study involved 542 men; their average age was 49 years. They were all motor freight workers who often work long hours and have irregular shifts.

Results show that 51 percent reported getting adequate sleep. Almost 88 percent were satisfied with their job; about 30 percent reported job strain.

Statistical analysis found that adequate sleep was associated with lack of job strain and healthful eating choices. Work experiences also were related to healthful food choices; but the effect was no longer significant when adequate sleep was included in the model.

The authors concluded that adequate sleep is associated with more healthful food choices; sleep also may mediate the effects of workplace experiences. As a result workplace health programs should be responsive to workers' sleep patterns.

“Our findings suggest that sleep adequacy, by enhancing helpful dietary choices, is one means by which workplace factors may influence chronic disease risk,” they wrote.

In September the Sleep Education Blog reported that eating when you should be sleeping may lead to weight gain.

Other studies also have found that how long you sleep may affect how you eat. You may crave more high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods when you are tired.

What about you – do you eat healthier foods when you are well rested?

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