The Daily Habit We All Do – And It Makes Us Gain Weight Without Noticing

A new study reveals that regularly cutting sleep hours can lead to weight gain and increased waist circumference. Researchers at Columbia University examined 95 adults and found that reducing sleep by about an hour and a half per night for six weeks led to an average weight gain of half a kilogram. Experts warn that chronic sleep deprivation is especially dangerous for menopausal women.

A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that regularly cutting sleep hours can lead to weight gain and increased waist circumference. Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center examined 95 adults at risk for heart or metabolic diseases, comparing a period of adequate sleep with six weeks where participants reduced sleep by about an hour and a half each night. At the end of the experiment, participants gained an average of half a kilogram and showed a wider waist circumference, along with increased sitting time during the day. Dr. Sumi Javed, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, explained that sleep plays an important role in regulating metabolism, and warned especially about the impact on menopausal women, who are physiologically vulnerable to metabolic damage. The researchers noted limitations such as short duration and small sample size. The American Heart Association recognizes sleep as one of the eight essential metrics for heart health.