“90 Minutes Less Sleep… 0.45 kg Weight Gain After 6 Weeks,” U.S. Study Finds
A new study suggests that even short-term sleep deprivation may lead to weight gain.
According to the New York Post on the 26th (local time), a study published in the medical journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that adults who reduced their nightly sleep by about 90 minutes gained an average of approximately 0.45 kg (1 pound) over six weeks compared to when they had sufficient sleep.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center conducted the study on 95 adults who were at risk for cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. They compared two six-week periods: one during which participants maintained adequate sleep, and another during which their sleep was reduced by about 90 minutes each night.
The results showed that after the sleep-restricted period, participants gained an average of about 0.45 kg and experienced a slight increase in waist circumference. However, no significant changes were observed in body fat or muscle mass.
Participants also spent more time sitting during the sleep-restricted phase, although there was no notable difference in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels.
The researchers noted that they did not track participants’ food intake, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of the weight gain. They also acknowledged limitations, including the relatively short six-week duration and the small sample size, which may have made it difficult to detect differences in body fat or between groups.
Dr. Somi Javaid, an OB-GYN in Ohio who was not involved in the study, explained that sleep plays a crucial role in metabolism and weight regulation. She added that chronic sleep deprivation can impair the body’s ability to manage weight. In particular, women going through menopause may be more vulnerable to weight gain due to common sleep disturbances.
She also noted that the American Heart Association includes sleep as one of the “Life’s Essential 8” key factors for cardiovascular health and recommends that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
Source: 동아일보 (https://www.donga.com/news/Society/article/all/20260727/134375794/1)