Many studies focusing on severe sleep deprivation have suggested that it might lead to weight gain, but few people can endure such strict conditions for long. A recent study at Columbia University’s Vagelos School of Medicine has shown that chronic mild sleep deprivation—common in the modern world—affects our weight.

The research involved 95 adults with normal sleeping habits and cardiovascular risks who were asked to delay their bedtime by 90 minutes for six weeks. Their increased sedentary time, along with a slight increase in weight and changes in hormones related to appetite, indicates that even small sleep deficits can influence our health.

While the study found higher levels of leptin during the sleep-restricted period, it doesn’t fully explain why participants still gained weight. The researchers theorize that other factors like increased sedentary time play a significant role.

The findings challenge modern lifestyles where sleep is often seen as an enemy to productivity and leisure activities. They suggest that reassessing daily sleep duration could be crucial for those looking to manage their weight or prevent lifestyle-related diseases.