Inadequate sleep linked to fat accumulation in adults--study

Researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, America, revealed that young adults getting either more than eight hours of sleep or less than six or seven hours are more prone to obesity over a period of five years.

Lead author of the study, Kristen G. Hairston, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of endocrinology and metabolism, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University said, “We put a lot of stock in diet. But this study brings up some interesting questions about the way we live.”

“We may need to start looking at other behaviors-besides daily food choices-that could be contributing to the obesity epidemic in younger age groups,” added Hairston.

Details of the study
The research team examined 40 individuals including Hispanic men from Spain, Mexico, Cuba and other Latin American countries and Black women, to determine the effects of their sleeping habits on bodily metabolism.

These were supposed to be the most affected groups.

The researchers studied the connection between an average five hours or less of sleep during night and increase in visceral fat--fat surrounding the organs.

On analysis, it was found that those sleeping for a lesser time confirmed 32 percent increase in visceral fat in contrast to a mere 13 percent in those who slept for about six or seven hours.

On the contrary, subjects who slept for longer hours, around eight or more hours had a 22 percent probable increase in fat accumulation.

The researchers also considered factors like calorie-intake, workout, smoking or educational levels of subjects to determine how sleep duration affected abdominal fat-gain.

Findings of the study
“Sleep is an important part of your overall health--not just in whether you’re tired during the day,” said Hairston.

According to researchers, different individuals have different sleep needs and patterns, therefore, recommendations for them also vary.

“But ‘extremes of sleep’ such as less than five hours per night, should raise concerns,” Hairston stated.

Such sleeping habits should be discussed with one’s general practitioner, suggested researchers.

They also stated that sleep deprivation could change levels of appetite-regulating hormones, which may prompt people to overeat.

“They are also more prone to metabolic conditions, including increased rates of obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes,” concluded Hairston.

The study appears in the Journal Sleep.