Getting more sleep each night offers a straightforward lifestyle change that can curb sugary food consumption and foster a healthier overall diet, according to recent research. The study assessed the practicality of increasing sleep for adults typically getting less than the recommended seven hours.
Researchers also conducted a pilot examining sleep extension's effects on nutrient intake. Results showed a 10-gram drop in reported free sugar consumption versus baseline in the sleep extension group, with trends toward lower total carbohydrate intake.
The 21 participants in the sleep enhancement group attended a 45-minute consultation aimed at adding up to 1.5 hours in bed nightly. The 21 in the control group received no sleep intervention.
Sleep enhancement participants got personalized lists of at least four sleep hygiene practices suited to their routines—like skipping caffeine before bed, building a wind-down ritual, and avoiding bed on an empty or overly full stomach—plus a tailored bedtime suggestion.
One week post-consultation, they tracked sleep and food intake via diaries, supported by wrist-worn motion sensors measuring actual sleep time and time to fall asleep.
86% of the sleep advice group increased time in bed, and half boosted sleep duration (52 minutes to nearly 90 minutes). Three achieved a weekly average of seven to nine hours. The control group showed no notable changes.
Extended sleep initially appeared lower quality than the control group's, suggesting an adjustment period for new routines.
