New York: Shifting bedtime to an earlier hour could make a difference in weight management for people with prediabetes, according to new research that identifies sleep schedules as a potentially overlooked part of diabetes prevention.
Published in Nursing Research, the study followed nearly 200 adults with prediabetes who regularly slept for less than six-and-a-half hours. Over eight weeks, participants received guidance on nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. A separate group was also given targeted support to improve their sleeping habits.
The results pointed to an interesting association: participants who fell asleep earlier tended to lose more weight. Researchers estimated that moving sleep onset an hour earlier was associated with a weight reduction of approximately 1.3 pounds (0.73 kg) during the programme.
The findings suggest that simply extending sleep hours may not tell the whole story. The timing of rest could also influence eating patterns and the body’s metabolic processes.
One possible explanation is that an earlier bedtime reduces the likelihood of consuming additional calories through late-night snacking. Researchers also highlighted the potential effects of nighttime eating, artificial light exposure and disruptions to hormones associated with hunger and appetite.
Susan Kohl Malone, assistant professor at New York University’s College of Nursing and lead author of the research, said the timing of falling asleep deserved greater attention in discussions about weight and metabolic health.
However, the study found no significant improvement in blood glucose levels among participants. Although both groups experienced weight-related improvements, those receiving additional sleep guidance showed greater gains in sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness.
Researchers said that maintaining regular sleep schedules could complement existing diabetes prevention strategies, but should not replace physical activity, balanced nutrition or medical care.
