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Most folks snack before going to bed around four times a week, and almost everyone admits they have a snack attack at least once a week, according to a Sleep Foundation survey. Snack favorites are chips, crackers and pretzels, according to more than half of those responding. But around 44% said they opt for ice cream, 37% choose candy, and 43% go for cakes and cookies. Wait. Seems to me like that adds up to more than 100%, so I'm betting many of you have multiple late-night snacks.

That can happen when a hormone produced in your stomach, ghrelin, can't turn off its "Eat more!" message. You see, a diet lacking in fiber and healthy proteins, a poor sleep routine and chronic stress can damage ghrelin's off switch. And, unfortunately, at least one of those lifestyle factors affects almost all Americans.

Once you disturb ghrelin, a lot of things besides your appetite get thrown out of whack. Working overtime, ghrelin increases the storage of body fat and can disrupt digestion and the movement of food out of your stomach into your intestines. It can also affect insulin release and trigger the pancreas to release more glucagon, raising blood sugar levels.

If you want to tame your ghrelin monster, do the basics: achieve a healthy weight, sleep better, control your metabolism and stress level, don't eat for three hours before bedtime, adopt a Mediterranean-style diet and get 300 minutes of exercise weekly. For support and info, check out my newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.