How do you adjust for a late night / little sleep?

gimedatnow
gimedatnow Posts: 173 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hi everyone,

As a college student, I rarely have time for a proper night's sleep, and more often than not, I only get 4-6 hours of sleep per night. I know that it's terrible for me, but these stupid chem problem sets don't solve themselves.

In any case, am I "allowed" to eat a bit more on nights that I stay up especially late? I feel like since I burn more calories sitting awake at my desk than I would sleeping, staying up late should entitle to me to eat maybe 100-150 calories more than my normal intake. (So, my daily goal would be bumped from 1200 to 1350.) But I've also heard that sleep deprivation can slow down your metabolism.

What are your thoughts? Do you adjust your calorie count when you have late nights or little sleep? Or am I just fishing for excuses to have my warm wholesome bowl of oatmeal at 3am?

Cheers, Jenny :yawn:

Replies

  • Limeinthecoconut
    Limeinthecoconut Posts: 234 Member
    I get hungry staying up late also Jenny. Stupid university. I usually keep low cal muesli bars around, and drink lots of black and green tea. Tea contains caffeine, so I find it keeps me up ;). I really think that you'll feel less likely to give up and go to sleep if you have something to eat. At least thats how it works for me!
  • secostley
    secostley Posts: 409 Member
    You're correct on both points regarding sleep deprivation and staying up late at night. Recommend bumping up your caloric intake by 150 calories for the next two weeks or so and keep strict count of your calorie intake and weight. If you see no weight gain you should be fine.

    Also recommend finding some point in your weekly schedule (map it on your calendar/MS Outlook) where you can get a good 8 hours of sleep or so. Maybe on a weekend. You'll have to plan in advance for it, but your body (and mind) will thank you.

    God Bless!

    Shawn
  • Healthyby30
    Healthyby30 Posts: 1,349 Member
    I hate to burst your bubble, but since I've gotten my bodymedia (like bodybugg) I've worn it everyday that I sleep. I burn the same or MORE per minute while I sleep than sitting at my desk doing homework. You might be surprised.
  • gimedatnow
    gimedatnow Posts: 173 Member
    I hate to burst your bubble, but since I've gotten my bodymedia (like bodybugg) I've worn it everyday that I sleep. I burn the same or MORE per minute while I sleep than sitting at my desk doing homework. You might be surprised.

    Haha, oh geez. I guess I'll just have to be extra careful on those days then! :P Green tea and snap peas it is.
    Thanks for your replies everyone!
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