Want to Lose Weight? A Surprising Study with a Simple and Easy Solution

In the past, studies have shown a direct link between weight gain and lack of sleep. A new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, highlights the importance of preserving every minute of sleep, as researchers believe that 20 additional minutes of sleep can help you resist the urge to eat unhealthy foods during the day.

In the study conducted at the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King's College, Dr. Wendy Hall and her team examined 42 healthy individuals who slept between 5-7 hours a night, slightly less than the American Sleep Association's recommendation of 7-9 hours per night.

About half of the participants engaged in a program designed to help them sleep better, while the rest continued their usual sleeping habits.

The study results showed that 86% of the group participating in the program for adopting healthier sleep habits managed to sleep, on average, 2 minutes more than usual, and after a month, they reduced their sugar intake by 10 grams and also decreased their carbohydrate consumption.

"The fact that extending sleep hours led to a reduction in free sugar consumption — referring to sugars added by food manufacturers or added during home cooking, as well as sugars present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices — suggests that a simple lifestyle change might help people stick to a healthier diet," explained Dr. Hall.