Sleep and Weight Loss - How The Two Are Intrinsically Linked

Sleep and weight loss have been linked by medical science for a number of years, but there has never been definitive information, until now. There is new compelling evidence that suggests people who get adequate sleep at night (about 8 hours), and are less stressed, have a higher likelihood of losing weight than those who sleep poorly at night.

Weight loss and sleep are determined by diet and the level of two hormones, namely leptin and ghrelin. Leptin is released by fat cells and is responsible for signaling to the brain that you are full, whereas ghrelin is released by the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates appetite. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet creates a feedback mechanism that signals to the brain (by releasing leptin) that you are full, reducing appetite. This signal is reduced in individuals who do not get enough sleep, and results in an increase in appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain.

A recent study conducted at the University of Illinois measured these two hormones in 12 healthy individuals during controlled periods of sleep deprivation and extended sleep. This study revealed that the proportion of fat that accumulated in the body during these periods of sleep was related to the number of hours of sleep each individual had, therefore proving that there is a direct link between sleep and weight loss.

This "sleep-weight loss" theory has been tested in different ways. Another six-year long study, conducted by researchers in Quebec, Canada, involved more than 250 individuals between the age of 21 -64. After the six-year period, the weight gain in these individuals was studied and cross-referenced with the number of hours they slept each night (varying between 5 and 10 hours). It was found that the individuals who slept for a shorter period (5-6 hours) had a higher proportion of weight gain than those who slept for a longer period (7-8 hours) each night.

Sleep apnea, which is characterized by slow or disrupted breathing, is also associated with weight gain. Although the link between sleep and weight loss cannot be denied, there may be other affecting factors such as caloric intake and stress which also play an important role in making people sleep better. That said, people who have sleeping problems and are concerned about their weight, should try increasing the number of hours they sleep at night, and also increase their quality of sleep by maintaining good sleep hygiene.


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