A Brazilian Study Reveals a Link Between Sleep Duration and Weight Loss

A study conducted in Brazil has highlighted a significant relationship between sleep duration and weight loss.

Typically, individuals seeking weight loss adhere to strict diets. However, it is crucial for these individuals to establish healthy routines before altering their diet.

The profound impact of healthy routines has been demonstrated in a study conducted by the Faculty of Nutrition at the Federal University of Alagoas. The findings, published in the "Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine," were also presented at the World Sleep Conference in October 2023, in Rio de Janeiro, as reported by the British newspaper "Daily Mail".

In this study, over 2,000 participants aged between 18 and 65 years were involved. It confirmed a direct link between sleep duration and body mass index (BMI): "Insufficient or poor-quality sleep increases the production of leptin, the hunger hormone, and decreases the production of ghrelin, the satiety hormone."

"Short and poor-quality sleep can affect your following day," stated Giovanna Longo Silva, a nutritionist, professor at the university, and the lead author of the study, as reported in the "Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine."

"When you're hungry, you tend to eat more," added Giovanna Longo.

The "Sleep Foundation" confirms that adults require between seven to nine hours of good quality sleep.

Additionally, the study noted that when we are tired due to inadequate sleep, we tend to seek foods that provide a sense of pleasure and comfort, and those that rapidly boost energy, which are typically high in calories.

"Adequate sleep, along with a healthy and balanced diet, is essential for preventing chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes," concluded Giovanna Longo.