A new study suggests that cutting back on sleep may affect body weight more quickly than many people expect. Researchers at Columbia University found that adults who lost about 90 minutes of sleep each night showed weight gain and increases in waist size over a six-week period.
The findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, add to growing evidence that sleep habits play an important role in overall health. The report indicates that even a relatively modest drop in nightly sleep can be linked to measurable changes on the scale and around the midsection.
The takeaway is that regularly skipping sleep is not just about feeling tired the next day. According to the study, shorter sleep over time may contribute to physical changes tied to weight and body composition.
While the research described a link rather than a broad set of causes, it reinforces the idea that sleep should be treated as a key part of a healthy routine. For adults trying to manage weight, getting enough rest may matter more than they realize.
