In a study conducted by researchers at Colorado University’s Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory (CUSCL), it was suggested that individuals who are deprived of sleep consume more energy than those who get a full night’s rest.
Authors of the study said its results demonstrate the metabolic costs of sleep deprivation. While a missed night of sleep burned about 135 calories, researchers noted that staying awake is not a good weight loss method and may result in impaired cognitive and metabolic functions.
“Some conserved energy may be re-distributed to support vital physiological processes like learning and memory consolidation, immune function, and hormone synthesis and release,” said Kenneth Wright, the study’s lead author and director of the CUSCL.
Results of the study point to the importance of sleep when it comes to energy use. They suggest that employees who develop healthy sleep patterns may be more productive during the day.
A National Institutes of Health study has shown that employees with insomnia and poor sleep habits were less productive at work and took more prescription sleep medications than their well-rested counterparts. Additionally, the research suggested that fatigue-related costs averaged nearly $2,000 per employee annually.
