Losing just 80 minutes of sleep a night could make you gain weight
Sleeping about an hour and 20 minutes less each night for six weeks caused participants to gain weight and spend more time inactive.
Researchers studied the effects of mild, realistic sleep loss on human metabolism. This study matters in a lab context because it sheds light on the relationship between sleep duration and weight gain. The researchers found that even short-term sleep deprivation led to significant changes in metabolic activity. Specifically, participants who slept about an hour and 20 minutes less each night for six weeks experienced weight gain and increased sedentary behavior. This finding suggests that even mild sleep loss can have measurable effects on human metabolism. The study's results imply that prolonged sleep deprivation could lead to more severe health consequences, including a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease. However, it is essential to note that individual results may vary, and this study should not be taken as medical advice. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between sleep duration and metabolic function.