Why may we not feel hungry in the morning when we wake up?
And when is it normal?
And when should you consult a doctor?
What are the possible negative effects of skipping the morning meal?
We often hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but that may not necessarily mean that we feel hungry in the morning.
In a report published by the American Healthline website, writer Rachel Link reviews some of the causes of loss of appetite upon awakening.
Eat hearty dinners or late-night snacks
One of the main reasons you don't feel hungry when you wake up is that you ate a hearty dinner or snack the night before, especially if the meal was high in fat or protein.
These nutrients can slow down digestion and make you feel fuller for longer, until the next morning.
Proteins, in particular, can reduce the feeling of hunger.
Likewise, fats may reduce appetite, resulting in no feeling of hunger.
If you want to enjoy a hearty dinner and skip or delay breakfast the next morning, that's fine, but only if you get the necessary nutrients and hydration you need throughout the day.
Changing hormone levels at night
The levels of many hormones in your body change during the night and during sleep, and this can affect your appetite.
Research shows that levels of adrenaline tend to rise in the morning, and this hormone is believed to suppress appetite by slowing digestion and increasing the rate at which carbohydrates stored in the liver and muscles are broken down.
One study noted that levels of the hormone ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone, decreased in the morning compared to the night before, and this may explain why you do not feel hungry when you wake up.
Some research suggests that levels of leptin, a hormone that promotes feelings of satiety, may also be higher in the morning.
However, if you experience sudden or severe changes in your hunger and appetite levels, you should consult your doctor.
Feeling anxious or depressed
Feelings of anxiety and depression greatly affect hunger levels, and sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue may reduce the desire to eat in the morning.
But sometimes, anxiety and depression may affect appetite completely differently, and some studies have found that stress may in some cases lead to an increase in appetite and eating larger amounts of food in some people.
If you have anxiety or depression and suspect it will affect your appetite or other aspects of your health, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
pregnancy
The writer says that morning sickness is a common problem that affects about 80% of women during pregnancy.
In most cases, the condition improves or symptoms disappear completely after 14 weeks of pregnancy.
One study of 2,270 pregnant women found that 34% of them ate less food in the early stages of pregnancy.
Besides morning sickness, pregnancy can cause other symptoms that reduce hunger, such as indigestion and bloating.
Drinking enough water, having small, healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and maintaining good ventilation in the home to avoid unpleasant odors are all necessary steps to improve appetite during pregnancy.
the disease
Illness often leads to a decrease in appetite and a loss of desire to eat. It is known that respiratory infections such as colds, flu, and pneumonia reduce your feeling of hunger, and reduce your sense of taste and smell, thus reducing appetite.
Some viral infections, such as the flu, can cause symptoms that suppress appetite, including nausea and vomiting.
Keep in mind that it's important to stay hydrated and get enough nourishment when you're sick, even if you don't feel hungry.
Soup, bananas, biscuits, hot tea and apple juice are among the foods that are easy to eat in the morning and do not affect the stomach.
Take some medicine
Many medications, including diuretics and antibiotics, can reduce appetite.
getting old
Decreased appetite is common among the elderly due to a reduced body's need for energy, hormonal changes, a diminished sense of taste, and social conditions.
Thyroid problems
Loss of appetite could be a sign of hypothyroidism or a decline in thyroid function.
ovulation period
Estrogen, a female hormone that increases markedly during ovulation, may reduce appetite in the morning.
negative effects
Possible negative effects of not eating the morning meal:
headache
Tired
irritability
What to do
If you don't feel hungry when you wake up, you can wait a while before eating breakfast.
Try to take a shower and get dressed, and then you may feel like eating.
If this process does not work, you can try eating a small meal rich in nutrients to stimulate the appetite.
The writer adds that you can sometimes skip breakfast if you want to, but make sure to eat the nutrients you need later in the day, and drink enough water.
If you think your loss of appetite is caused by an illness, talk with your health care professional to determine the best course of treatment.