Catching More ZZZs Might Reduce Your Risk of Obesity

Fatigue may not be the only problem facing the 30% of American adults who sleep less than the recommended 7-9 hours per night.

Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, including obesity.

Less sleep, higher obesity rates

According to a 2008 National Health Statistics Report, adults who slept less than 7 hours had the highest rate of obesity (33%) and adults who slept 7 to 8 hours had the lowest (22%).

Findings, based on both cross-sectional and longitudinal data, were the same for men and women in all age groups and most race/ethnicity groups studied. However, the association was stronger for younger adults, than those over age 65.

More recently, an experimental study of men found that after just one night with very little sleep (4 hours), subjects ate 550+ more calories and were less physically active the next day than study participants who slept 8 hours the night before.

What does this mean?

We can’t say that getting enough sleep will help you lose weight, but NOT getting enough sleep puts you at-risk for obesity and other chronic diseases.

What can you do?
Why not go to bed an hour earlier? It might improve your health.

Having trouble sleeping?
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggests 13 tips for a good night’s sleep.

National Sleep Awareness Week is March7-13, 2011.