Earlier bedtime linked to weight loss in prediabetes patients

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Nov, 08:54 · Archive

An NYU study found that falling asleep an hour earlier was associated with roughly 1.3 pounds of weight loss over eight weeks in adults with prediabetes.

An NYU randomised trial examined 196 adults diagnosed with prediabetes who routinely slept fewer than 6.5 hours nightly. Half received an eight-week lifestyle education course covering diet, exercise and stress. The other half received the same training alongside behavioral coaching designed to gradually move their bedtime earlier. Researchers tracked participants' blood sugar, sleep and activity using sensors, sleep logs and wrist-worn monitors.

Each hour earlier participants fell asleep was associated with roughly 1.3 pounds of weight loss over eight weeks. Both groups lost weight overall, but those receiving sleep coaching did not lose significantly more than those receiving lifestyle education alone. Neither group showed significant improvements in blood sugar levels.

Participants who received sleep coaching did report better sleep quality and less daytime drowsiness, and they gradually began going to bed earlier. The study's lead author, Susan Kohl Malone from the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, said in a press release that 'when we fall asleep — not just how much we sleep — seems to be an important and overlooked factor for weight loss and metabolic health'. She noted that the researchers had expected extending sleep would improve glucose levels and weight loss, but this was not the case. The investigation was published in the journal Nursing Research.

How it is being reported

• Simple bedtime change may help some individuals lose weight, study findsAn NYU study found that falling asleep an hour earlier was tied to 1.3 pounds of weight loss over eight weeks in adults with prediabetes.New York Post · 8 Nov, 08:42
• Simple bedtime change may help some individuals lose weight, study findsAn NYU clinical trial found that moving bedtime just one hour earlier led to weight loss in prediabetes patients, even without longer sleep.Fox News · 7 Nov, 22:34

In this story: NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing · Susan Kohl Malone · Nursing Research

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