Related Experiment Videos
Postprandial sleep and thermogenesis in normal men
G K Zammit1, S H Ackerman, R Shindledecker
1Sleep Disorders Institute, St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY 10025.
Physiology & Behavior
|August 1, 1992
Summary
High-calorie meals increase thermogenesis (heat production) when awake. Postprandial sleep, however, decreases heat production and body temperature, regardless of meal calorie content.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Sleep science
- Metabolic studies
Background:
- Caloric intake influences metabolic rate and body temperature.
- The relationship between postprandial thermogenesis and sleep onset requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying caloric loads on postprandial thermogenesis and sleep.
- To examine the effects of sleep on thermogenesis and body temperature following meals.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy males consumed low- and high-calorie liquid meals.
- Measurements included sleep electroencephalogram (EEG), thermogenesis, and body temperatures (core and skin).
- Subjects either remained awake or were allowed to sleep post-meal.
Main Results:
- Thermogenesis was higher after high-calorie meals when subjects remained awake.
- Sleep onset coincided with peak thermogenesis and was followed by significant decreases in thermogenesis and core body temperature.
- Sleep did not alter sleep stage distribution but reduced postprandial heat production.
Conclusions:
- Postprandial sleep is linked to increased thermogenesis.
- Sleep initiation leads to a reduction in metabolic heat production and core body temperature.
- Caloric intake affects thermogenesis when awake, but sleep plays a dominant role in reducing postprandial temperature.