Does lack of sleep cause overeating?

Sleep deprivation results in increased appetite to eat high calorie foods and less desire to stop eating

There are two hormones involved: Ghrelin and Leptin. Higher the Ghrelin, more we want to eat. Lower the Leptin, less we feel full to stop eating.

Sleep deprivation increases Ghrelin, and reduces Leptin. The net result is snacking on high calorie foods leading to weight gain.

It does not mean that adequate sleeping will make you lose weight. On the other hand, when you are on weigh loss program (Reduced calorie intake and exercise), you should also get adequate sleep.

For most of the people adequate sleep is about eight hours.