Sleep or run?

I know we have all done it. Set our alarm for 6:30 a.m. with the best of intentions for that early morning run, then hit snooze through the hour you set aside to work out.

As I was hitting snooze this morning, my mind (in my waking moments) contemplated the various articles I have been reading lately debating the health benefits of the dilemma between sleep and exercise.

The information has been around for awhile (2004), but it seems to be all over the place recently. Research has shown that sleep deprivation could actually be one contributing factor behind the obesity epidemic. (Obviously overeating and under-exercising are contributing factors as well -- so this is not an excuse to sleep all the time).

According to various studies, including one done at the University of Chicago, when the body has less sleep it produces higher levels of Ghrelin, the hormone released by the stomach that signals hunger. A sleep deprived body also releases less Leptin, a hormone released by fat cells that indicates fullness and an energy balance in the body. When these two hormones are imbalanced it signals a lack of available energy, compounded by lack of rest, this leads to consistent hunger. There is also some research that the release of melatonin increases during sleep, which in turn increases the leptin levels in insulin -- decreasing your appetite while you sleep. In studies, people suffering from lack of sleep ate up to 1,000+ calories in snacks alone during the day (versus 800+ calories for those with sufficient sleep). Additionally, the hormones that are triggered by sleep deprivation cause you to crave richer foods, things like pasta, cake and ice cream.

All this said, we know sleep is extremely important to the human body. It allows us to function properly, makes our immune system stronger, allows our brain to work faster, just to mention a few. The benefits of sleep are extensive. However, there are also benefits to exercise. I think in the long run, all this really leaves me with is a little less guilt when I hit snooze instead of jumping out of bed to jog...