Two recent papers1,2 have strengthened the connection between sleep and weight management. Published in reputable journals, these studies look at how we burn and consume calories based on sleep duration. One study restricted the amount of sleep while the other increased sleep time – with strikingly similar conclusions. Less sleep led to weight gain as participants consumed more and burnt fewer calories. The weight gained was primarily in the abdominal viscera, which leads to poorer health.
Does that mean we simply need to increase our sleep time and shed weight? Yes and No (not that simple).
It is important to understand that sleep is impacted by the amount and quality of sleep. The amount of sleep recommended for adults is 7-9 hours a night. While the quality of sleep can be affected by medication and alcohol use, environmental conditions, sleep timing (night vs day), and medical problems (pain, headache, acid reflux, breathlessness, etc.).
Written by: Avinesh S Bhar, MD, a Sleep doctor in Virginia.
Source : Your Sleep and Your Weight – My Take