The Effect of Behavioral Sleep Interventions on Measures of Obesity, Dietary Intake and Physical Activity in Adults With Poor Sleep Health: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression Analysis.
Samiul A Mostafa, Pushpa Singh, Feaz Babwah et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether sleep interventions improve obesity-related measures, dietary intake, or physical activity in adults with poor sleep health and without obstructive sleep apnoea. Across 27 studies, 25 contributed to meta-analyses. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and/or sleep hygiene was associated with a mean BMI reduction of 0.64 kg/m² (0.28, 1.01, p = 0.0006); sleep extension did not significantly reduce BMI. Interventions also reduced energy intake, while physical activity and sedentary behavior did not change. The authors suggest sleep interventions may complement existing obesity-management strategies.
Key findings
- CBT-I and/or sleep hygiene reduced BMI by an average of 0.64 kg/m² (0.28, 1.01, p = 0.0006; I² = 16%) across eight studies (n = 1384).
- Sleep extension did not significantly reduce BMI: 0.15 kg/m² (-0.40, 0.11, p = 0.26) across five studies (n = 138).
- Sleep interventions reduced daily energy intake by 147.5 cal/day (5.74, 289.41, p = 0.04; I² = 53%) across five studies (n = 223).
- Physical activity and sedentary behavior levels did not change; sugar consumption decreased (p = 0.05) and protein consumption increased (p = 0.001).
Why it matters
Sleep interventions may influence BMI and dietary intake, suggesting that sleep health is relevant to obesity management alongside established lifestyle strategies. The findings also distinguish intervention types: CBT-I and/or sleep hygiene showed a BMI reduction, whereas sleep extension did not. No change in physical activity or sedentary behavior was observed, so the reported benefits should not be assumed to extend across all lifestyle outcomes.
What to keep in mind
The evidence came from 27 studies, with 25 included in meta-analyses; quality assessment classified 12 studies as low quality and 10 as having some concerns. Several outcome estimates were based on relatively few studies.