Losing 78 Minutes of Sleep a Night Over Six Weeks Leads to Weight Gain
A new study found that adults who slept about 78 fewer minutes each night for six weeks gained nearly a pound and became more sedentary. Researchers say the findings add to growing evidence that sleep is a key factor in weight management, not just diet and exercise. The study was published in July 2026 and tracked participants using wearable devices.
Adults who cut their nightly sleep by about 78 minutes over six weeks gained nearly a pound and moved less during the day, according to a study published in July 2026.
Researchers tracked participants using wearable devices that measured both sleep duration and physical activity. Those who slept less showed measurable increases in body weight and decreases in daily movement compared to a control group that maintained normal sleep schedules.
The study adds to a growing body of research linking sleep deprivation to weight gain. Earlier work has shown that poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate hunger, including ghrelin and leptin, making people more likely to eat more and crave high-calorie foods.
"Sleep is not a luxury. It is a biological necessity that affects nearly every system in the body," said one of the study's authors. "When people consistently get less sleep, the effects on weight and activity levels are measurable and significant."
The findings are particularly relevant given that many adults in the United States report regularly sleeping less than the recommended seven to nine hours per night. Work schedules, screen time, and stress are among the most commonly cited reasons for insufficient sleep.
Health experts say the study reinforces the importance of treating sleep as a health priority alongside diet and exercise. Practical steps include setting a consistent bedtime, limiting screen exposure in the hour before sleep, and keeping the bedroom cool and dark.
The research was conducted across multiple sites and included participants of varying ages and body mass indexes. Researchers said future studies should examine whether the weight gain observed over six weeks continues or accelerates with longer periods of sleep restriction.
