Short-Term Sleep Reduction Linked to Weight Gain and Lower Activity in 6‑Week Study

Researchers at Columbia University’s Center for Sleep and Circadian Rhythm conducted a six‑week experiment to examine the effects of modest sleep loss. The study involved 95 adult participants who normally slept 7–8 hours per night. Over the study period, each participant reduced their sleep by approximately 78 minutes per night. At the end of six weeks, the investigators observed that the reduced sleep was associated with an increase in body weight and a decline in physical activity levels. The findings suggest that even relatively small, everyday sleep deficits can alter metabolism and lifestyle behaviors. The results were published in the peer‑reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine, highlighting the potential health implications of chronic, mild sleep restriction.