Not Getting Enough Sleep Can Cause The Munchies, Just Like Smoking Weed

Ever wonder what could cause a bad case of the munchies other than smoking weed?

In a recent study conducted at the University of Chicago, researchers concluded sleep deprivation enhances the rhythm of circulating levels of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol, a key chemical element related to appetite, also found in users after consuming marijuana.

According to Van Winkle's, the University of Chicago's Health and Metabolism Center studied 14 super tired 20-year-olds to observe how their lack of sleep affects their eating habits.

If you've ever consumed marijuana, you know common side effects include laughing uncontrollably, accidentally liking a handful of Instagram posts and eating everything in (and out) of plain sight.

The participants who were allowed to sleep for a total of eight hours had an easier time resisting sweet and salty snack foods; whereas, the four-hour group couldn't resist consuming at least 300 more calories.

The study concludes,

Our findings suggest that activation of the eCB system may be involved in excessive food intake in a state of sleep debt and contribute to the increased risk of obesity associated with insufficient sleep.

I wonder what happens if you smoke weed and deprive yourself of sleep?

Your snack stash wouldn't stand a chance...

Citations: How Lack of Sleep Mimics the Effects of Marijuana (Van Winkle's), Sleep Restriction Enhances the Daily Rhythm of Circulating Levels of Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (Journal Sleep)