Sleep and Weight: Is There a Connection?

Nov 02, 2023
Fact Checked
Consistent, quality sleep is important for maintaining a healthy weight. We’ve collaborated with weight loss professionals to tell you why.

Key Facts

Are you getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night? If not, you may be limiting your health potential, especially if you’re watching your weight. Sleep and circadian rhythmsCircadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles running the body’s internal clock allowing you to carry out important functions. The most well-known circadian rhythm is the sleep-wake cycle. play key roles in regulating energy, hunger, and mood. Inadequate sleep has short- and long-term consequences on physical and mental health, so prioritizing sleep hygiene is critical to your overall wellness.

Our Reviews Team asked three qualified professionals to contribute their perspectives on sleep’s role in weight loss and overall health:

The science behind sleep and weight loss

Sleep–or lack of it–can have wide-ranging impacts on how your body functions. Without sleep, your body can’t always regulate the hormone and energy systems that play an integral role in your health.

Lack of sleep impacts your appetite

Sleep regulates two important hormones that influence appetite: ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin tells your body it’s hungry, while leptin tells it you’re full.

Inadequate sleep disrupts these hormones. Short sleep duration increases ghrelin levels and decreases leptin levels. That means you feel more hungry throughout the day, but you’re less likely to feel satiated. [9]Papatriantafyllou E, et al. Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Nutrients. April 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/8/1549

Increased hunger isn’t necessarily associated with bigger, more frequent meals. Instead, it’s associated with snacking. Research showed people who sleep less tend to snack on high-carbohydrate foods (like sugary sweets) to find more energy during the day. [8]Nedeltcheva, Arlet V., et al. Sleep Curtailment is Accompanied by Increased Intake of Calories from Snacks. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. January 2009. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19056602/ “Foods with high sugar content lead to a higher risk of diabetes. Lack of sleep, poor dietary decisions, and obesity are directly related,” said Kacyon.

Sleep deprivation can cause your body to hold on to excess weight

One large two-year study of 810 people (average age of 50 years) showed that sleep can predict weight loss success. Over a six-month period, those with self-reported sleep disturbance had less success losing weight and kept a higher fat percentage compared to those who reported sleeping an adequate amount. [5]Li A, et al. Sleep Disturbance and Changes in Energy Intake and Body Composition During Weight Loss in the POUNDS Lost Trial. Diabetes. December 2022. Found on the internet at https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/71/5/934/144604/Sleep-Disturbance-and-Changes-in-Energy-Intake-and Other studies agree that sleep deprivation is associated with more fat deposits, particularly around the torso. [10]Rosique-Esteban N, et al. Cross-Sectional Associations of Objectively-Measured Sleep Characteristics with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in the PREDIMED-Plus Trial. Sleep. October 2018. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/41/12/zsy190/5115226 [11]Tan X, et al. Associations of Disordered Sleep with Body Fat Distribution, Physical Activity and Diet Among Overweight Middle-aged Men. Journal of Sleep Research. February 2015. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jsr.12283

One of the main reasons people store more body fat in response to sleep deprivation is higher levels of ghrelin and an increased appetite, but the two-year study suggested there are underlying reasons related to how the body releases and uses energy in a fatigued state. [5]Li A, et al. Sleep Disturbance and Changes in Energy Intake and Body Composition During Weight Loss in the POUNDS Lost Trial. Diabetes. December 2022. Found on the internet at https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/71/5/934/144604/Sleep-Disturbance-and-Changes-in-Energy-Intake-and High ghrelin levels promote fat creation and storage in the body. [12]Lv Y, et al. Ghrelin, a Gastrointestinal Hormone, Regulates Energy Balance and Lipid Metabolism. Bioscience Reports. August 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6153372/ While this is a normal process to turn food into stored energy for our daily activities, high ghrelin levels due to sleep deprivation could interfere with healthy amounts of fat storage and production, but scientists don’t fully understand this link yet. [5]Li A, et al. Sleep Disturbance and Changes in Energy Intake and Body Composition During Weight Loss in the POUNDS Lost Trial. Diabetes. December 2022. Found on the internet at https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/71/5/934/144604/Sleep-Disturbance-and-Changes-in-Energy-Intake-and

Poor sleep can cause weight to regain

The same large two-year study also found that sleep deprivation negatively affects weight maintenance. Those who self-reported sleep deprivation but lost fat were more likely to regain it. Regained fat is likely due to increased appetite and snacking, but other underlying reasons remain unclear. [5]Li A, et al. Sleep Disturbance and Changes in Energy Intake and Body Composition During Weight Loss in the POUNDS Lost Trial. Diabetes. December 2022. Found on the internet at https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/71/5/934/144604/Sleep-Disturbance-and-Changes-in-Energy-Intake-and

Poor sleep can affect your metabolism

Sleep has a major influence on your body’s energy production processes, also known as metabolism. A poor night’s sleep can throw off your body’s circadian rhythm, which is responsible for regulating hormones that influence your energy metabolism, including how you process glucose (sugars) and cholesterol (fats). [13]Jagannath A, et al. The Genetics of Circadian Rhythms, Sleep and Health. Human Molecular Genetics. October 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5886477/ [7]Westerterp-Plantenga, Margriet S. Sleep, Circadian Rhythm and Body Weight: Parallel Developments. Cambridge Core. April 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/sleep-circadian-rhythm-and-body-weight-parallel-developments/72AB313DB902E28EA300324E9C181FEC

One of the most common metabolic disorders associated with poor sleep is type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose. [14]Type 2 Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html Research found that every hour of sleep deprivation per night was associated with a 14% higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Those with high sleep variability (lack of consistent sleep duration) combined with less than five to six hours of sleep per night have more blood sugar while fasting and a shockingly high 62% prevalence of type 2 diabetes. [10]Rosique-Esteban N, et al. Cross-Sectional Associations of Objectively-Measured Sleep Characteristics with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in the PREDIMED-Plus Trial. Sleep. October 2018. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/41/12/zsy190/5115226

Sleep makes you feel more energetic

It’s no secret that adequate sleep gives you energy during the day, but how? As you slumber, your body cycles through sleep stages, each with its own purpose. One of the last stages, known as deep sleep, is when the body is most active in rebuilding itself. During this time, your body repairs muscles, activates the immune system, and regulates energy production. [15]How Sleep Boosts Your Energy. Harvard Health Publishing. July 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/how-sleep-boosts-your-energy The Institute for Functional Medicine suggested that sleep may regulate energy production by influencing a cellular structure called the mitochondria, although it’s only seen this in animal models so far. [16]Sleep Deprivation: A Deeper Dive Into Clinical Screenings, Mitochondrial Impact, and Therapeutic Interventions. The Institute for Functional Medicine. Found on the internet at https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/fatigue-sleep-deprivation-mitochondrial-impacts/ This structure converts energy from our food into energy our body can use. Sleep deprivation may negatively impact this process, contributing to sluggish body function and disease. [17]Brand M.D., et al. The Role of Mitochondrial Function and Cellular Bioenergetics in Ageing and Disease. The British Journal of Dermatology. July 2013. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4321783/

Lack of sleep impacts mood and motivation

Sleep plays a major role in regulating emotions. Adequate sleep and dreaming allow us to store experiences into our memory and process positive and negative feelings. [18]Vandekerckhove M, et al. Emotion, Emotion Regulation and Sleep: An Intimate Relationship. AIMS Neuroscience. December 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7181893/

A review of more than 90 studies highlighted emotional and cognitive issues, including mood disorders, as short-term consequences of sleep deprivation. Over time, this can evolve into depression or other stress-related disorders, often characterized by a loss of interest and motivation to participate in activities like exercise. [19]Medic G, et al. Short- and Long-Term Health Consequences of Sleep Disruption. Nature and Science of Sleep. December 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/NSS.S134864 [20]Knapen J, et al. Exercise therapy improves both mental and physical health in patients with major depression. Disability and Rehabilitation. October 2014. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09638288.2014.972579 Unfortunately, many links exist between depression and weight gain due to metabolic disturbance and inflammation, [21]McLaughlin, Anna P., et al. The Influence of Comorbid Depression and Overweight Status on Peripheral Inflammation and Cortisol Levels. Cambridge Core. March 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/influence-of-comorbid-depression-and-overweight-status-on-peripheral-inflammation-and-cortisol-levels/D76D1C1EB2FC81179CC045BA034509BD but sleep can help combat these issues. [13]Jagannath A, et al. The Genetics of Circadian Rhythms, Sleep and Health. Human Molecular Genetics. October 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5886477/

Medical conditions and sleep

Obesity often coincides with medical conditions that negatively impact sleep quality and quantity. These conditions include:

Obstructive sleep apnea

Kacyon told us that people with obesity have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Excess fat deposits can narrow the airway, making it difficult to breathe. At night, this looks like snoring, pauses in breathing, and sporadic waking—all of which contribute to a poor night’s sleep. [22]Lim, Diane C. and Pack, Allan P. Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Update and Future. Annual Review of Medicine. January 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-med-042915-102623#_i2 Doctors often recommend elevating the head of the bed or using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to open the airway during sleep. But if you suspect you may have sleep apnea, you should talk to a doctor first.

Restless legs syndrome

Those with obesity have a higher prevalence of restless legs syndromeA condition characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them. . This condition is associated with sleep apnea, depression, and other chronic conditions negatively impacting sleep. Fortunately, a study from the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine underlines how modifiable lifestyle habits, like increasing physical activity and managing weight, can significantly reduce symptoms. [23]Batool-Anwar S, et al. Lifestyle Factors and Risk of Restless Legs Syndrome: Prospective Cohort Study. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. February 2016. Found on the internet at https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.5482 [24]Pistorius F, et al. Sleep apnea syndrome comorbid with and without restless legs syndrome: differences in insomnia specific symptoms. Sleep and Breathing. April 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7426303/

Diabetes

While lack of sleep increases the risk of developing diabetes, [10]Rosique-Esteban N, et al. Cross-Sectional Associations of Objectively-Measured Sleep Characteristics with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in the PREDIMED-Plus Trial. Sleep. October 2018. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/41/12/zsy190/5115226 research has shown that having diabetes can impact sleep quality. Unique sleep-disrupting factors related to this condition include frequent urination, low blood sugar, and peripheral neuropathyA condition that affects nerves in the extremities, particularly the hands and feet. It causes altered sensations, like numbness, tingling, or pain. . People with diabetes should ask their doctor about minimizing sleep disturbance, which can help regulate metabolism and prevent other obesity- and sleep-related conditions. [25]Surani S, et al. Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Sleep Quality. World Journal of Diabetes. June 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4478581/

Chronic pain

Unfortunately, people with obesity are four times more likely to report pain than those who are not obese. [26]Hitt, Holli C., et al. Comorbidity of Obesity and Pain in a General Population: Results from the Southern Pain Prevalence Study. May 2007. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1526590007000065 Overweight status is also associated with at least 20% greater rates of recurring pain than normal weight status and increases with obesity levels up to 254%. Studies show disturbed sleep is significantly associated with obesity and pain, but regular physical activity can help. [27]Okifuji A and Hare, Bradford D. The Association Between Chronic Pain and Obesity. Journal of Pain Research. July 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508090/

High blood pressure

In the United States, 70% of those over the age of 65 have high blood pressure, which is highly associated with rates of obesity and poor sleep quality. [28]Ostchega Y, et al. Hypertension Prevalence Among Adults Aged 18 and Over: United States, 2017–2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db364.htm [29]DeMarco, Vincent G., et al. The Pathophysiology of Hypertension in Patients with Obesity. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. June 2014. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24732974/ [30]Han B, et al. Sleep and Hypertension. Sleep and Breathing. August 2019. Found on the internet at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11325-019-01907-2 Kacyon explained that you need uninterrupted sleep to let your body regulate your nerves, heart, and blood vessels. “When you struggle to get quality sleep, the body’s nervous system acts as if you are awake and ready to be active. This leads to heightened heart rates and blood pressure during cycles where they should be down-regulating.” High blood pressure is often a result of poor sleep rather than a cause, but it’s strongly associated with sleep-disrupting conditions, like sleep apnea. [29]DeMarco, Vincent G., et al. The Pathophysiology of Hypertension in Patients with Obesity. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. June 2014. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24732974/

Does sleep help you lose weight?

“Weight loss is strongly tied to a good night’s sleep,” said Kacyon. Rickel agreed, reinforcing sleep’s role in hunger, energy, and mood regulation. Poor sleep habits may hinder successful weight loss, so incorporating sleep hygieneHealthy habits that encourage restful sleep. into your journey can helpset you up for success.

Sleep health is mental health

Excess weight takes a toll on your mental and emotional health, and it’s hard to know what to address first. Optimizing your sleep schedule is a good first step in regulating the mind and body. Sleep plays a key part in regulating emotion and managing stress, which combats mental health disorders associated with weight gain, like depression. Rickel provided three tips to stay optimistic during your weight loss journey:

Aligning sleep with diet and exercise

Kacyon told us that physical activity is important for regulating your sleep cycle, but it’s important to time exercise bouts—and diet—carefully. Exercise and food may positively or negatively influence your circadian rhythm and sleep patterns, so if you’re trying to align sleep with your weight loss routine, consider the following:

Sleep is about more than weight loss

Optimizing your sleep schedule is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Getting adequate sleep provides the energy to visit grandchildren or the motivation to be active in your community. Positive lifestyle changes improve your general health, regardless of your current weight.

Good sleep is for every body

Consistently good sleep is important for everyone’s health, but if your sleep schedule feels off-track, try addressing your sleep hygiene first.

We asked Kriebel-Gasparro to share some advice that works for her patients. We also consulted the Journal of General and Family Medicine and the Sleep Hygiene Index (a clinical test that scores sleep hygiene practices) to develop a complete list of ways to improve your sleep: [35]Suzuki, Keisuke, et al. Sleep Disorders in the Elderly: Diagnosis and Management. Journal of General and Family Medicine. April 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5689397/ [36]Mastin, David F., et al. Assessment of Sleep Hygiene Using the Sleep Hygiene Index. Journal of Behavioral Medicine. July 2006. Found on the internet at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7222661_Assessment_of_Sleep_Hygiene_Using_the_Sleep_Hygiene_Index

 

Download our PDF Sleep Packet below to share with your doctor.

Unable to display PDF file.

How to talk to your doctor about sleep issues

If you’re concerned about your sleep patterns but you’re not sure where to start, consider using your sleep diary as a way to collect information for your doctor. Then, you can work with your doctor to make improvements. Be sure to discuss the following, as they may reveal some clues:

If you need further guidance, ask if you should see a sleep specialist.

Bottom line

Sleep may be a key component of weight loss. It can influence hunger and satiety, energy production, and motivation for physical activity. Getting a good night’s sleep is helpful for everyone.. An adequate sleep schedule of seven to nine hours per night can maintain physical, emotional, and mental health.

If you’re concerned about your sleep schedule, discuss it with a medical professional. Your doctor can identify areas for improvement and point you in the right direction.

Have questions about this article? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

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Nicole Hernandez is a writer and physical therapist who empowers people to make informed decisions about their health as a writer and clinician. She has written for NCOA, AginginPlace.org, and physical therapy clinics to educate readers on fall and injury prevention, rehabilitation, home modifications, and other clinical themes including hearing aids and medical alert systems.
Dr Chester Wu
Chester Wu Medical Reviewer
Dr. Chester Wu is board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, training at Baylor College of Medicine and Stanford University School of Medicine, respectively. He has since established his own private practice in Houston, TX where he provides psychiatric and sleep medicine services.
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