Lack of sleep adds to waistline

A NEW study highlights the link between lack of sleep and weight gain. This time, insufficient sleep has been linked to larger waistlines, up to 3cm greater for people sleeping six hours per night compared to those getting nine hours’ sleep.

Researchers at the UK’s University of Leeds studied the impact of sleep on metabolism by measuring various indicators of 1,615 participants’ overall metabolic health, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, blood cholesterol, and thyroid function.

They were also asked to report how long they slept, and to keep a record of food intake.

According to the results, the waist measurements of people who slept on average six hours per night were 3cm higher than participants who slept nine hours a night. They also had more chance of being overweight.

The researchers observed that levels of HDL cholesterol – so-called ‘good’ cholesterol that protects against conditions such as disease – were lower in adults who slept less.

However, the dietary habits of shorter sleepers were no less healthy, contrary to other studies, that have linked snacking and cravings for sugary or fatty foods to lack of sleep.

Stored deeper under the skin than subcutaneous fat, visceral fat builds up around organs like the liver, the pancreas and the intestines.

It affects hormonal function and the body’s resistance to insulin, and can lead to inflammation, hence, the associated risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

To get seven to nine hours’ sleep per night, recommendations include maximising exposure to natural sunlight during the day, switching lie-ins for naps at the weekend, avoiding caffeine six hours before bedtime, taking exercise, skipping foods that are too high in fat or sugar in the evening and avoid drinking alcohol. – AFP-Relaxnews