Sleep Loss and Weight Gain: Is There a Connection?

HAMILTON, NJ - Numerous studies have been conducted that link sleep deprivation to gaining weight. Scientists have discovered that losing sleep increases levels of a particular hormone that triggers hunger, known as Leptin, which may lead to overeating and weight gain. This could explain why so many Americans are overweight, in particular, college students, new parents and shift workers.

Mahmood I. Siddique, DO, Medical Director, RWJ Hamilton SleepCare Center

"Recent research suggests that at least one factor of obesity can be sleep deprivation," says board certified sleep specialist, Mahmood I. Siddique, DO, medical director of RWJ Hamilton's SleepCare Center. "By decreasing your weight by just 10 percent, you will see significant improvement in the severity of the sleep disorder, especially for people with sleep apnea."

Most people are aware of the fact that obesity is due to overeating, big portions, rich food, and little activity. What they aren't aware of, is why they are craving these rich foods and the answer may very well be sleep deprivation. An estimated 63 percent of Americans do not get the recommended eight hours of sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. The average American gets 6.9 hours of sleep during weeknights and 7.5 hours of sleep on weekends, an average of seven hours per day.

"It's very important to maintain a healthy weight by adhering to the nutritional recommendations that are best suited for you," says Wendi Silver, registered dietician for RWJ Hamilton. "Enlisting the help of a registered dietician is a great way to get the correct assessment that will provide a balanced meal plan and education to help make healthy food and lifestyle choices."

Early diagnosis followed by proper treatment is the best way to treat obesity. For example, successful treatment of sleep apnea will reduce fatigue which helps to provide motivation to lose weight. The end result will help people overcome sleep disorders and obesity. For more information on this topic go to rwjhamilton.org/sleep.

More About RWJ Hamilton
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) is the only New Jersey hospital to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Located in Hamilton Township, NJ, the hospital is part of the RWJ Health System and Network and is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey-RWJ Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

The RWJ Hamilton Health Care Corporation serves communities within a five-county area and includes an acute care hospital, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton, three affiliated medical groups, seven Lakeview Child Centers, and the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, home of a medically-based fitness center and the hospital's extensive community education program. Over 1,900 hospital employees and 650 medical staff physicians share RWJ Hamilton's passion for Excellence Through Service. For more information, visit www.rwjhamilton.org.