Why you crave junk food when you're tired

Ever wonder why you reach for cookies, chips, or chocolate after a bad night’s sleep — even when you're not that hungry? It's not just lack of willpower — it's your brain chemistry. In this video, we explore what happens in your brain and body when you're sleep-deprived, why your cravings go wild, and what science says about the hormones and chemicals responsible — including ghrelin and 2-AG (yes, the one linked to cannabis munchies 🍕🍫). I’ll also share a few practical tips to help you reduce cravings after a rough night. 🧠 Featured Research UC Berkeley study on sleep and self-control: 📌 https://news.berkeley.edu/2013/08/06/poor-sleep-junk-food/ University of Chicago study on 2-AG and hedonic eating: 📌 https://news.uchicago.edu/story/sleep-loss-boosts-hunger-and-high-calorie-food-choices Leidy et al. study on high-protein breakfasts and appetite: 📌 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/oby.21185 📚 Want to learn more? Check out the blog post that inspired this video: 👉 https://patriciabischof.com/2025/04/23/this-is-what-a-sleepless-night-does-to-your-brain-and-how-to-reverse-it/ Follow me on Instagram for more science-meets-wellness content: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/staycurious2/ 🎵 Music Credit Music by: https://www.bensound.com Artist: Benjamin Tissot License codes: TXVSXR0NPANICT3Z & PY1WJBHQ8DSMPUHH 📌 Hashtags for SEO #SleepAndCravings #WhyWeCraveJunkFood #SleepScience #HealthTips #NutritionScience #SleepDeprivation #HormonesAndHunger #HealthyHabits #StayCurious