Erratic Sleepers Have More Health Problems: Study

Short, long hours of shuteye increase odds of smoking, obesity

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted May 7, 2008 4:54 PM CDT

(Newser) – Irregular sleep habits increase the likelihood of obesity and smoking, the AP reports. The CDC surveyed 87,000 Americans over 2 years and found that individuals who sleep fewer than 6 hours a night or more than 9 were 5% to 10% more likely to smoke and 4% to 11% more likely to be obese than those who slept 6 to 9 hours.

"The data is all coming together that short sleepers and long sleepers don't do so well," said a spokesman for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. "We're getting to the point that they may start recommending getting enough sleep as a standard approach to weight loss and the prevention of obesity," said a Columbia University sleep researcher.

Erratic sleeping has been linked to increased likelihood of a number of health problems.

Erratic sleeping has been linked to increased likelihood of a number of health problems. (KRT Photos)

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Erratic Sleepers Have More Health Problems: Study

Short, long hours of shuteye increase odds of smoking, obesity

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Erratic Sleepers Have More Health Problems: Study

Short, long hours of shuteye increase odds of smoking, obesity

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

More on sleep

obesity • sleep • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • smoking • sleep deprivation • sleep loss • sleep disorder

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Kids Have Been Short on Sleep for 100 Years

At least if official recommendations are any guide

Why the Women of One Virginia Town Die Younger

Obesity, smoking are killing women sooner in Emporia, Virginia

Too Much Sleep Is Bad for You, Too

It can age your brain by up to seven years, researchers warn

Jan Brewer Wants to Charge Medicaid 'Fat Fee'

Arizona governor's plan would charge smokers, obese people $50

You Don't Need 8 Hours of Sleep ... in a Row

It's more natural to sleep in two four-hour shifts

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?