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Review
. 2024 Jun;13(2):203-213.
doi: 10.1007/s13679-024-00570-3. Epub 2024 May 22.

Insomnia, Short Sleep, and Their Treatments: Review of Their Associations with Weight

Kelly C Allison  1 , Lindsey Parnarouskis  2   3 , Molly D Moore  2 , Alyssa M Minnick  2   4
Affiliations
Review

Insomnia, Short Sleep, and Their Treatments: Review of Their Associations with Weight

Kelly C Allison et al. Curr Obes Rep. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Insomnia and short sleep have been linked with weight gain and obesity. However, these findings have not been consistent across studies. We review recent evidence for the association between insomnia, short sleep, and weight gain, as well as the relationship between behavioral and pharmacological treatments for sleep and weight.

Recent findings: The relationship between insomnia and obesity is mixed, with stronger associations between insomnia with short sleep and obesity than other presentations of insomnia. Short sleep is associated with weight gain. Z-drugs and benzodiazapines do not appear to impact weight, but many antidepressants and antipsychotics that are used for insomnia treatment do cause weight gain. The relationships between insomnia and short sleep with weight gain and obesity are inconsistent. More prospective trials are needed to identify mediators and moderators of this relationship to better develop and deliver effective interventions for both sleep and weight problems.

Keywords: Hypnotics; Insomnia; Obesity; Short sleep; Sleep extension; Weight.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hypothesized sleep-related contributors to weight gain
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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