Sleep Loss Linked to Weight Gain Study

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine by researchers at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons found that adults who reduced their nightly sleep by about 80 minutes for six weeks gained an average of one pound and increased sedentary time by 17 minutes per day. The study involved 95 healthy adults in a randomized crossover trial. The findings suggest that chronic mild sleep loss may contribute to weight gain and reduced physical activity, potentially increasing risks for obesity-related conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The research was funded by the American Heart Association and the United States — National Institutes of Health.