Losing Weight Improves Sleep Quality

Overweight people who lose weight find they sleep better, says research presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.
Prof Kerry Stewart and her team looked at 77 people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, all of whom were overweight or obese. At the start and end of the six-month study the participants answered a survey about their sleep problems and their fat levels were measured.

They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the first group went on a weight loss diet and exercise regimen, while the second group received only a diet intervention.
People in both groups lost about 15 pounds and 15% of their belly fat. Improvement in sleep quality was associated with weight loss, either achieved through changes in diet or diet combined with exercise. Improvement in sleep quality was particularly connected with losing belly fat.

“The key ingredient for improved sleep quality from our study was a reduction in overall body fat, and, in particular belly fat, which was true no matter the age or gender of the participants or whether the weight loss came from diet alone or diet plus exercise,” says Prof Stewart.