Bariatric Times - June 2008 - (Page 36)

36 Research Perspective Bariatric Times • June 2008 The Link Between Sleep Loss and Obesity Understanding the Mechanisms Responsible for Weight Gain with Sleep Deprivation by Cynthia K. Buffington, PhD INTRODUCTION Over the last several months, there have been a number of newspaper articles and television talk show discussions on the relationship between chronic sleep curtailment and obesity risk. Within our modern society, chronic sleep loss is common and due to a variety of conditions, including voluntary sleep curtailment, emotional distress, work shifts and schedules, life stressors, and health issues. Cross-sectional and prospective epidemiological studies find an inverse relationship between shortened sleep duration and body size or weight gain. The mechanisms responsible for the link between sleep debt and obesity have not been fully elucidated, but are believed to be of both behavioral and metabolic origin. The purpose of this article is to provide the bariatric professional with an understanding of the importance of sleep in long-term weight loss success and maintenance. approximately 12 hours nightly.1 By the mid-1900s, Americans were sleeping between 8 and 9 hours.2 The National Sleep Foundation’s 2001 poll found that sleep duration among US adults averaged less than seven hours (6.9 hours).1 More recent data3 show that nearly onethird of US adults, ages 30 to 64, sleep for six hours or less. Today, chronic sleep loss is considered a hallmark of our society and a major contributor to a number of adverse health issues, including obesity.4–5 Epidemiological studies involving participants of varying body sizes, socioeconomic status, age, and ethnicity have demonstrated significant and independent associations between sleep duration and obesity.5–11 According to these studies, the lowest risk for obesity occurs with a sleep duration of 7 to 8 hours, and amounts of sleep that are less than seven hours are inversely correlated to body size (body weight, body mass index, or percent body fat). One large population study (NHANES 1)8 found that people who sleep four hours or less are 73 percent more likely to be obese than those who sleep for 7 to 9 hours; individuals who obtain five hours of sleep are THE LINK BETWEEN CHRONIC SLEEP LOSS AND OBESITY During the mid-1800s and prior to the discovery of the light bulb, Americans slept for an average of Epidemiological studies involving participants of varying body sizes, socioeconomic status, age, and ethnicity have demonstrated significant and independent ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SLEEP DURATION AND OBESITY.5–11

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Bariatric Times - June 2008

Bariatric Times - June 2008 Endoluminal Treatment Options for Morbid Obesity: Devices and Techniques for Natural Orifice Approaches The Multidisciplinary Approach to Weight Loss: Defining the Roles of the Necessary Providers Acute Bleeding after Gastric Bypass Editorial Message Contents ASMBS: 25 Years Editorial Board Surgical Site Infection In The Morbidly Obese Patient: A Review Consultant's Corner The Link Between Sleep Loss and Obesity: Understanding the Mechanisms Responsible for Weight Gain with Sleep Deprivation Volume Matters Journal Watch Advertiser Index

Bariatric Times - June 2008

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