Sleep more, weigh less
More than 83 million U.S. adults say they sleep less than seven hours a night. And studies have shown that it sets them up for decreased glucose tolerance and insulin insensitivity (facilitating insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes), increased hunger and obesity. And obesity makes your ActualAge much older than your chronological years and sets you up for health challenges that it causes.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could prevent weight gain while you're sleeping? Well, you can. Researchers from Columbia University decided to see what happens to folks' weight if they go from getting a healthy amount of sleep nightly -- that's seven to eight hours -- to getting only 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
Turns out that participants who were shortchanged by 90 minutes of sleep nightly gained 1 pound in six weeks -- and if that shortened sleep cycle were consistent over time, that could add up to around 9 pounds a year, year after year. (There's one answer to your question, "Why am I 40 pounds heavier than I used to be?")
The reason shortened sleep time leads to weight gain has to do with the feedback loop between sleep and the secretion of growth hormone. Insufficient sleep disrupts that relationship, and you can develop problems with fat metabolism and gain weight.
Using meditation, eating a plant-based diet and adopting the healthy sleep routine outlined in "This Is Your Do-Over" and "The Great Age Reboot" can help you get the rest and rejuvenation you need every night to prevent weight gain and associated health issues.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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