A recent study from Columbia University has demonstrated that even a modest lack of sleep can have negative effects on individuals. Participants who slept just an hour and a half less than their usual amount gained weight—averaging 450 grams over six weeks. Additionally, their physical activity levels dropped, as people spent more time sitting.
The research, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, replicated a realistic scenario of ongoing sleep deprivation (1–1.5 hours), unlike previous studies that focused on extreme sleep deficits. It involved 95 adults, each of whom completed two six-week phases: one with their habitual sleep routine and another with reduced sleep. The actual reduction in sleep amounted to approximately 78 minutes.
The study’s findings suggest that even minor adjustments to sleep patterns can lead to undesirable consequences for weight and overall health.
About the Author
