Room darkening shades may help diet

A recent study published in the journal Sleep has found that teenagers who sleep less than eight hours a night are more likely to indulge in unhealthy snacks that are high in fat and calories, according to CNN. The bad dietary habits that are triggered by too little sleep can end up affecting weight.

"[Research] clearly has shown [that] individuals getting insufficient amounts of sleep are more likely to be obese and gain weight over time," Dr Susan Redline, the senior author of the study and a professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School, told the news provider.

While scientists aren't certain as to the reason that this occurs, they think that it has to do with the production of the hormones leptin and ghrelin, which both help regulate appetite. Since poor sleeping patterns can lower the growth of these chemicals, the theory is that less sleep may lead to an increased feeling of hunger.

Experts suggest that a dark room with little light is conducive to sleep. Room darkening shades can be practical window treatments that may help teens fall asleep. By blocking the lights of the outdoors, such as bright buildings or glaring street lamps, these shades can normalize sleeping patterns and hopefully help regulate diet as well.