Sleep and Appetite Regulation

The relentless pace of modern life, constant information overload, and the cumulative burden of professional and domestic responsibilities define the challenges of the 21st century. For countless individuals, insufficient sleep has become an unavoidable reality—within a mere 24-hour cycle, an ever-increasing number of tasks must be completed, inevitably leading to a systematic reduction in nighttime rest or a decline in its quality. Sleep deprivation is not confined to adults; it equally affects adolescents and children. According to the 2015 report *„How Do Poles Sleep?”*, based on a survey of over a thousand adult Poles, **sleep-related disorders may affect as much as three-quarters of the population**. While **53% of respondents** claimed their sleep duration aligned with recommendations (7–8 hours), **30% admitted to sleeping only 5–6 hours per night**, and **75% reported experiencing various sleep-related difficulties**. The most frequently cited issues included: **persistent fatigue and a sense of not being rested upon waking, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and challenges returning to sleep**. The underlying causes are multifaceted, encompassing both **health-related factors** and **detrimental habits**, such as: **bringing work home and completing it late into the night, chronic occupational stress, watching television, using electronic devices (phones, tablets) immediately before bedtime, or eating meals right before sleep**. Epidemiological research from the United States suggests that **sleep disorders may affect 30–40% of the population** (Dopheide, 2020), with the problem worsening annually. Particularly concerning are the findings regarding **school-aged adolescents**—Lahey’s 2014 study revealed that **only 20% of teenagers** adhere to the recommended **9 hours of sleep per night**