Many individuals are struggling to lose weight and adjust virtually all aspects of their waking lives: the food they eat, how much they exercise, and their hobbies. However, new research indicates that sleep is also an important component.
A recent lab study of 225 healthy, non-obese individuals compared the results of two subject groups, one whose sleep was restricted between 4 am to 8 am for five consecutive nights, and another who slept 10 hours each night from 10 pm to 8 am. All individuals were presented meals at specific times, however food was available in the kitchen at all times. The results of the study indicated that individuals who stayed up late had greater caloric intake, leading to weight gain. It was also noted that the proportion of calories consumed from fat was higher during late-night hours than at other times of the day.
Other notable findings included that during sleep restriction, males gained more weight than females. Also, African Americans gained more weight than Caucasians. It was previously know that African Americans are at a greater risk for obesity and more likely to be habitual short sleepers, and data from this study suggests that the two factors may be connected.
Obesity has been a widespread concern since 69% of Americans are overweight. However, the importance of sleep is gaining recognition. With the fast-paced world of the 21st century, it is important to acknowledge that sleeping habits can influence many aspects of an individual's life, including his or her weight.
References: http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/07/01/abnormal-sleep-habits-can-lead-to-weight-gain-in-adults/56698.html
No comments:
Post a Comment