Sleep and obesity

Abstract

Purpose of review This review summarizes the most recent evidence linking decreased sleep duration and poor sleep quality to obesity, focusing upon studies in adults. Recent findings Published and unpublished health examination surveys and epidemiological studies suggest that the worldwide prevalence of obesity has doubled since 1980. In 2008, 1 in 10 adults was obese, with women more likely to be obese than men. This obesity epidemic has been paralleled by a trend of reduced sleep duration. Poor sleep quality, which leads to overall sleep loss has also become a frequent complaint. Growing evidence from both laboratory and epidemiological studies points to short sleep duration and poor sleep quality as new risk factors for the development of obesity. Summary Sleep is an important modulator of neuroendocrine function and glucose metabolism and sleep loss has been shown to result in metabolic and endocrine alterations, including decreased glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, increased evening concentrations of cortisol, increased levels of ghrelin, decreased levels of leptin, and increased hunger and appetite. Recent epidemiological and laboratory evidence confirm previous findings of an association between sleep loss and increased risk of obesity.

Effects of three weeks of mild sleep restriction implemented in the home environment on multiple metabolic and endocrine markers in healthy young men

“…However, there appears no consistency in whether the period of sleep loss (either in hours lost per night, or 5 duration of intervention) is related directed to the plasma leptin levels reported. Interestingly in the present study, reduction of leptin was observed only in the third week of sleep reduction and coincided with an increase in bodyweight, which initially appears counterintuitive but corresponds well to what is found in cohort studies (reviewed by [40]). Leptin expression may be inhibited directly by catecholamines [41] .…”

Interactions between endocrine and circadian systems

“…The clarification of the relative contribution of endogenous and exogenous input to the diurnal rhythm of a physiological system is of particular relevance for understanding the influence of our modern 24/7 lifestyle on the well-being of individuals. Owing to social constraints many rhythmic behaviors such as sleep/wake and food intake/fasting cycles often no longer align with their endogenous pattern controlled by the circadian clock (Scheer et al 2009, Beccuti & Pannain 2011. Shift workers are an obvious example.…”

Obesity and Psychiatric Disorders in a Sample of Obese Candidates for Bariatric Surgery in Campania Region

“…In our experience this is provoked by physical impairment such as Sleep Apnea and mental factors related to neuroendocrine facets and anxiety structure. Moreover, insomnia contributes to obesity provoking psychosocial impairment and a reduction of physical activity [66][67][68][69]. In our sample, IND is predominantly associated with maladaptive eating behaviors particularly grazing and sweet-eating.…”