Want to lose weight? A small change in your sleep routine that will make a difference

A new study found that advancing bedtime is associated with a weight loss of about 0.6 kg over eight weeks, especially among people with prediabetes. The researchers emphasize that this is a statistical correlation and not proof of cause and effect.

A new study published in the journal Nursing Research found that advancing bedtime may help with weight loss, especially among people with prediabetes. The study included 196 adults with prediabetes who slept less than 6.5 hours a night, and were divided into two groups for eight weeks. One group received healthy lifestyle guidance, and the other received similar guidance plus behavioral training to advance bedtime. No significant difference in weight loss was found between the groups, but in a cross-group analysis, each hour a participant advanced their bedtime was associated with a weight loss of about 0.6 kg. The researchers explain that early sleep may limit nighttime eating and align with the body's optimal metabolic window. However, they emphasize that this is only a statistical correlation and not proof of cause and effect, and that the study was conducted over a short period of eight weeks.