Effects of short-term sleep restriction on energy balance in healthy young adults

Abstract

Insufficient sleep may be associated with obesity via increased energy intake and/or decreased energy expenditure. The present study therefore aimed to investigate effects of sleep restriction on energy balance in healthy young adults. Participants (14 men, 13 women) aged 35.3 ± 1.0 y with 23.6 ± 0.2 kg/m2 BMI completed a randomized, crossover study exposed to short and habitual sleep with 4 wk washout. Controlled diets were provided during the first 4 d, followed by 2 d of ad libitum eating. Ad libitum energy intake, energy expenditure and physical activity level were determined as well as energy balance and body weight. Results showed that ad libitum energy intake (p = 0.031), as well as total fat (p = 0.018) increased after short compared with habitual sleep, but physical activity level, energy expenditure, energy balance, and body weight remained unaffected by sleep duration. In conclusion, sleep deprivation elevates energy intake, which may lead to positive energy balance over time and increase the risk of weight gain and/or obesity.