Sleep It Off

A recent study, carried out by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, shows that an increased amount of sleep gained by teens can lead to a lower rate of obesity.  This study took place over four years, with data being gathered at six month intervals. Over one thousand high school students participated. Scientists have found a link between obesity and sleep loss previous to this study, but these results allowed them to form an even clearer view.

To gather data, the researchers would calculate BMIs and documented each student’s sleep pattern. They then took this data and analyzed it to find that for each hour added to their sleep total, there was a greater reduction in BMI. However, the researchers also noted that the strength of the connection was weaker for those who already had a BMI at the lower end of the distribution.

For example, in the 10^th percentile, the rate of reduction was about 0.07 kg/m2, while in the 90^th percentile it was significantly higher at 0.28 kg/m2. Another finding was that this relation between the amount of sleep and BMI “remained after adjusting for time spent in front of computer and television screens and being physically activity.” This shows that getting more sleep could help with the prevention of obesity even if all other guidelines are met.

Even with the information presented by this study, I doubt any change will be made in the sleeping habits of teens. What do you think?

NOS:

-Science is based on evidence

-Importance of repeatability

-Role of motivation and curiosity

Article:

Increased Sleep Could Reduce Rate of Adolescent Obesity

The full results are available online at Pediatrics