New research has found that getting enough sleep—between seven and nine hours a night—may be a key factor in managing body weight, as crucial as diet and physical activity.
Studies show that insufficient sleep is linked to weight gain and metabolic disorders, with 39% of adults sleeping fewer than seven hours a night.
Lack of sleep affects hunger hormones, increasing appetite and leading to the intake of up to 500 extra calories per day. It also reduces the ability to make healthy food choices and heightens cravings for unhealthy foods.
Experts emphasize that sufficient sleep boosts metabolism and physical performance, while staying up late encourages nighttime eating and slows fat burning. Regular, adequate sleep is therefore essential for effective weight control.
