Lack of Sleep Linked to Weight Problems

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Overweight and Obese Patients in a Primary Care Population Report Less Sleep Than Patients With a Normal Body Mass Index. Robert D. Vorona, MD; Maria P. Winn, MSN, FNP; Teresa W. Babineau, MD; Benjamin P. Eng, MD; Howard R. Feldman, MD; J. Catesby Ware, PhD: Arch Intern Med 165:25 -30, 2005.

What is the problem, and what is known about it so far?

Lack of sleep has been linked to overweight and obesity. In addition to the known health problems caused by lack of sleep, including altered mood and decreased mental and motor skills, research suggests that too little sleep causes hormone changes that might lead to obesity.

Why did the researchers conduct this particular study?

The goal of the study was to look further to see whether lack of sleep leads to a higher body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of being overweight.

Who was studied?

A total of 1,001 people, 18 to 91 years of age, participated in the study. Results from 924 subjects were analyzed.

How was the study done?

People in the study filled out a survey, listing their medical history and sleep habits. Questions included one on total sleep time (TST) per 24 hours. Other factors that were considered included sleep hygiene issues (use of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol), medical issues, and gender.

Each person's height and weight were measured to calculate BMI, and subjects were put into four groups: normal weight, overweight, obese, and extremely obese. The researchers then compared body mass to total sleep time.

What did the researchers find?

The less people slept, the heavier they tended to be, except in the extremely obese group. Patients in the obese group slept less than patients in the overweight or normal-weight group. Patients in the overweight group, however, did not sleep much less than patients with a normal body weight. The extremely obese patients did not report a further decline in sleep time; however, researchers suggest other health-related factors, such as medication, may have distorted their sleep history.

What were the limitations of the study?

Because data from this study were taken from a survey, people may have slept more or less than they said. In addition, a big percentage of people in this study fell into the obese category of BMI. Obese people tend to have problems from diabetes, high pressure, or indigestion that may make it difficult to sleep.

What are the implications of the study?

The link between body mass and sleep time needs further study. In addition to diet and exercise, getting enough sleep may be a key part of a weight-loss program. Overweight people may want to examine their sleep patterns to improve overall health.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 

Bass J, Turek FW: Sleepless in America : a pathway to obesity and the metabolic syndrome? Arch Intern Med 165:15 -16, 2005.

Ferreira I, Twisk JWR, van Mechelen W, et al.: Development of fatness, fitness, and lifestyle from adolescence to the age of 36 years: determinants of the metabolic syndrome in young adults: the Amsterdam Growth and Health longitudinal study. Arch Intern Med 165:42 -48, 2005.

Ohayon MM: Prevalence and correlates of nonrestorative sleep complaints. Arch Intern Med 165:35 - 41, 2005.