A registered dietitian and active member of both the American and California Dietetic Associations, Tonya Picerne serves as a consulting dietitian and nutritionist in San Juan Capistrano. With a background in administrative dietetics and nutrition, Tonya Picerne brings her passion for wellness and health to her work in helping others cultivate awareness of what they foods they eat.

Poor diets can have a significant impact on various aspects of our health, including sleep and weight gain. According to a publication in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA), consuming a diet high in sugar, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates can disrupt sleep patterns.

The connection between sleep and diet becomes even more apparent when considering the effects of inadequate sleep on appetite regulation. When individuals lack sufficient sleep, their appetite hormones can become imbalanced, leading to an increase in hunger. This can result in consuming more food, whether it's during the next day or even during late-night snacking. It’s essential for individuals to prioritize both a healthy diet that contains all classes of nutrients and good sleep habits to mitigate the risk of obesity and its associated health concerns.