Habitual sleep duration predicts caloric and macronutrient intake during sleep deprivation

Abstract

Objective: Our modern society has created two tightly linked epidemics: insufficient sleep and obesity. Although laboratory studies have established that sleep loss is associated with increased caloric intake, the critical question of how habitual at-home sleep duration influences total caloric and macronutrient intake during subsequent total sleep deprivation remains largely unexplored.

Methods: At-home sleep patterns were monitored via wrist actigraphy for at least one week before a 29-h in-laboratory total sleep deprivation (TSD) session (N = 45). Participants had ad-libitum access to food, which was measured at 6-h intervals throughout the in-laboratory session.

Results: Short habitual sleep duration was significantly associated with increased caloric and macronutrient intake during the last 6 h of TSD (06:00-12:00).

Conclusions: Short habitual sleep increases the risk for morning overeating after acute sleep deprivation. Early identification and behavioral intervention of those at risk of overeating may help reduce the likelihood of long-term health consequences.

Keywords: Actigraphy; Food intake; Sleep duration; Sleep loss.