Lack Of Sleep May Hinder Weight Loss Efforts

A small study in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that getting too little sleep can impede weight loss efforts. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Chicago.

Healthy overweight people between 35-49 were placed on a moderately calorie-restricted diet and observed for two 14-day periods. During one period they slept an average of 5.5 hours, and in the other period they slept an average of 8.5 hours.

The shorter time spent sleeping was associated with less body fat loss and more of the overall weight loss coming from lean tissue (further hindering weight loss). Sleep restricted subjects also had more of the appetite-triggering hormone ghrelin circulating in their bloodstream.

So, getting enough rest is a key component in any weight loss program. Be sure to consider this when laying out your personal weight loss program.