Sleep deprivation is known to increase levels of which hunger-arousing hormone?

Prepare for the IDLA Dual Credit (DC) Psychology Test. Enhance your knowledge with interactive flashcards and dynamic multiple choice questions, each with valuable hints and explanations. Be thoroughly prepared for your examination!

B. Ghrelin is indeed the correct answer because it is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and hunger. When a person experiences sleep deprivation, the body tends to produce higher levels of ghrelin. This increase in ghrelin enhances feelings of hunger, making individuals more likely to seek out food, which can lead to overeating and weight gain if these patterns persist over time.

Other hormones mentioned in the options have different roles that do not primarily relate to hunger. Insulin, for instance, is involved in blood sugar regulation and can affect how the body stores energy rather than directly influencing hunger levels. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone and can influence metabolism and appetite but does not directly stimulate hunger like ghrelin does. Leptin, on the other hand, is a hormone produced by fat cells that helps to suppress appetite; it works inversely to ghrelin. When sleep is compromised, leptin levels can also decrease, but it is ghrelin that primarily drives the increase in hunger during periods of inadequate sleep. Thus, ghrelin's direct role in promoting hunger makes it the correct choice in the context of sleep deprivation and appetite regulation.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy