A recent study conducted at the European Centre for Taste Sciences in Dijon, France and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that people who don't get a proper night's sleep will gain more weight than those who manage a good rest.
The study involved twelve young men whose sleeping and eating habits, and other activities, were monitored over a four day period by researchers. Days one and two were controlled with the twelve men required to record their activities, how much they slept, and what they ate in a diary. On day three, their sleeping patterns were changed and they went to bed at midnight, rising at 8am the next morning. The final day saw them go to bed at 2am and awaken at 6am. There were no restrictions on eating during the final day.
The results of the study showed that on the final day, the twelve men consumed an average of 22% more than what they had eaten previously, an average gain of around 560 calories. The researchers believe that this may be because mammals have a tendency to store up calories during the plentiful summer months in preparation for the barren winter months ahead.
Molly Bray and Martin Young, Geneticists at the Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas, are trying to find a link between obesity and human circadian rhythms because research shows that sleep disruptions alter metabolism and increase body fat.
To avoid weight gain, follow the National Sleep Foundation's advice and get between seven and nine hours sleep every night.
