Losing weight and belly fat can significantly improve the quality of sleep, according to a study by a group of scientists from Johns Hopkins University in the United States.
The study included 77 overweight or obese people who suffered from type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
The volunteers were measured body mass index and the amount of abdominal fat. At the beginning and end of the study, participants also completed a questionnaire to identify sleep problems, including sleep apnea, daytime fatigue, insomnia, restless sleep, and the use of sedatives to aid sleep.
The results of the study show that both groups of participants lost an average of about 6-7 kg. It also reduces the amount of belly fat.
The researchers found various sleep problems in the participants. However, there is a significant improvement in the quality of their sleep, which is associated with overall weight loss, especially belly fat, said Dr. Carrie Stewart of the research team.
Good sleep in general is important for good physical and mental health, as well as for the health of the cardiovascular system, the specialist added.
Depending on the cause, chronic sleep disorders predispose to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and irregular heartbeat.
Obesity is known to increase the risk of sleep problems. On the other hand, prolonged sleep deprivation is associated with a tendency to gain weight and can lead to overweight or obesity.
Researchers explain that when we lose sleep, our metabolism decreases by 12%. With a slow metabolism, less energy or calories are expended, leading to weight gain, even if exercise and diet levels remain unchanged, a study shows.
Providing 7-8 hours of sleep every night protects against increased appetite and excessive food consumption, scientists explain.