Columbia University study links mild sleep loss to weight gain

A research team at Columbia University's Vagelos School of Medicine found that chronic, mild sleep deprivation—affecting roughly 30% of adults—can lead to modest weight gain. In a controlled trial, 95 adults with cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors delayed their bedtime by 90 minutes for six weeks, reducing nightly sleep by about 80 minutes. During this period participants gained an average of 0.45 kg (about one pound) compared with a normal‑sleep phase.

The study also recorded a rise in daily sedentary time, with participants sitting 17 minutes longer each day, and up to 30 minutes more among men and post‑menopausal women. Researchers noted changes in appetite‑regulating hormones and suggested that insufficient sleep may increase the risk of obesity‑related conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

These findings highlight the potential public‑health importance of ensuring adequate nightly sleep to help curb weight gain and associated metabolic disorders.