New research from Columbia University reveals that losing just 90 minutes of sleep each night can lead to weight gain and increased waistlines in adults over a six-week period.
A recent study published in the *Annals of Internal Medicine* highlights the impact of sleep deprivation on weight gain. Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that adults who reduced their sleep by approximately 90 minutes each night for six weeks gained an average of one pound compared to periods of adequate rest.
The study involved 95 adults who were already at risk for heart or metabolic diseases. Participants were monitored during two six-week phases: one with sufficient sleep and another with restricted sleep. By the end of the sleep-restricted phase, participants not only weighed about one pound more on average but also exhibited slightly larger waistlines. Interestingly, while weight increased, researchers did not observe significant changes in body fat or muscle mass.
Throughout the study, participants spent more time sitting, although their levels of moderate and vigorous exercise remained consistent. The researchers did not track participants’ dietary intake, leaving uncertainty about the factors contributing to the weight gain.
Dr. Somi Javaid, an Ohio-based OB-GYN and founder of HerMD, emphasized the crucial role of sleep in regulating metabolism. Although she was not involved in the study, she noted that chronic sleep deprivation can hinder the body’s ability to manage weight effectively. This issue may be particularly pronounced for women undergoing menopause, a stage of life when sleep disturbances become more prevalent.
“We are destroying women’s sleep at the exact life stage when their metabolism is least able to absorb the hit, then telling them to eat less and exercise more,” Dr. Javaid stated.
The American Heart Association has recognized sleep as one of its “Life’s Essential 8” for heart health, recommending that adults aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Dr. Javaid reiterated the importance of prioritizing sleep, stating, “Chronic short sleep is not a lifestyle quirk. We need to treat sleep as a vital sign of health.”
While the findings suggest that regularly getting less sleep may contribute to weight gain, the researchers acknowledged several limitations in their study. They noted that the six-week duration may not have been sufficient to observe meaningful changes in body fat, which typically takes longer to develop than changes in body weight. Additionally, the relatively small sample size limited the researchers’ ability to compare results across different demographic groups.
Some hormone measurements were only collected in the morning, potentially missing fluctuations that occur throughout the day, which could also influence the study’s outcomes.
Overall, this research underscores the importance of adequate sleep for maintaining a healthy weight and metabolic function, particularly for individuals at risk for chronic health conditions.
According to Fox News, the implications of this study highlight the need for a greater focus on sleep health as part of overall wellness strategies.