Impact of Sleep Trends and Research on Health

Popular Sleep Trends Explained

During ‘Fox & Friends’ Wellness Week, sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins shared insights on several trending sleep practices. Among these trends were the use of melatonin, mouth taping, cooling pillows, and sleep trackers. She discussed melatonin’s role in regulating circadian rhythms and the benefits of mouth taping for promoting nasal breathing. Robbins also highlighted the importance of maintaining a sleep environment at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal health and longevity, she recommended adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Research on Sleep and Weight Gain

Recent research indicates that lack of sleep could lead to weight gain. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals who missed about 90 minutes of sleep each night over six weeks gained approximately one pound on average, compared to times when they had adequate sleep. The research involved 95 adults at risk for heart or metabolic disease. The study compared six weeks of sufficient sleep with six weeks of reduced sleep.

Findings showed an average weight gain of one pound and slightly expanded waistlines after the sleep-restricted period. Participants also spent more time sitting, though their exercise routines remained unchanged. The study did not observe significant changes in body fat or muscle mass and didn’t track participants’ dietary intake, leaving the cause of weight gain unclear.

Insights from Health Experts

Dr. Somi Javaid, an OB-GYN and founder of HerMD, emphasized the importance of sleep in managing the body’s metabolism. Although not involved in the study, Javaid pointed out that sleep deprivation can hinder weight regulation. She noted that women going through menopause might be particularly affected by sleep disturbances during this life stage.

Javaid referenced the American Heart Association, which includes sleep as one of its “Life’s Essential 8” for heart health, advocating for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. She argued that chronic lack of sleep should be recognized as significant to health, not merely a lifestyle choice.

Study Limitations and Considerations

The research had several limitations. The six-week duration may not have been sufficient to observe meaningful changes in body fat, which could take longer to manifest. The small sample size also restricted the study’s ability to compare results across different groups. Additionally, hormone measurements collected only in the morning might not capture daily fluctuations.

Kelly McGreal, a production assistant at Fox News Digital, contributed to the lifestyle team’s coverage of these findings.