Study Reveals Direct Link Between Sleep Loss and Weight Gain
A recent scientific study has found that even a slight reduction in sleep duration may have negative effects on health. Losing as little as one hour and 20 minutes of sleep per day could contribute to weight gain and reduced physical activity within a short period.
According to the study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine and reported by MindBodyGreen, researchers found that reducing daily sleep over a six-week period was associated with weight gain, increased sedentary behavior, and a significant decline in physical activity.
To reflect real-life conditions, the researchers did not ask participants to stay awake all night. Instead, they gradually delayed their bedtime, resulting in an average loss of about 80 minutes of sleep each night.
The study involved 95 healthy adult men and women who normally slept between seven and eight hours per night. Over six weeks, participants’ sleep patterns and physical activity were monitored using wearable devices, while their body weight, waist circumference, body composition, and several metabolic health markers were regularly assessed.
The researchers emphasized that their goal was not to examine the effects of total sleep deprivation, but rather the impact of a modest yet persistent reduction in sleep, a situation commonly experienced by workers and students.
The findings showed that participants who reduced their sleep gained an average of about half a kilogram during the study compared with those who maintained their usual sleep schedule.
The study also found that participants became less physically active. On average, they spent 17 more minutes per day sitting, with this increase approaching 30 minutes per day among men and postmenopausal women.
According to the researchers, although these changes may appear small, they could contribute to long-term weight gain, particularly as physical activity gradually declines.
The effects extended beyond body weight. Previous studies involving the same participants suggested that chronic sleep loss may reduce insulin sensitivity in some women and increase inflammatory markers that could raise the risk of cardiovascular disease over time.
The research team believes that insufficient sleep disrupts the balance of hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, lowers energy levels, reduces motivation to be physically active, and increases the likelihood of consuming more food.
The researchers stressed that the findings do not necessarily mean that everyone who loses an hour of sleep will gain weight. However, they reinforce the importance of getting adequate sleep as a fundamental pillar of good health, alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity. They also highlighted that maintaining consistent sleep schedules remains an often overlooked factor despite its clear impact on overall health.
