For all those who have been losing sleep over weight problem, the latest mantra is to do exactly the opposite, get some sleep rather than lose it. This might come as a surprise to many but the latest study reveals that 'short sleepers' are more likely to end up overweight even if they are more active than 'long sleepers' during the day.

In the study, sleep activity and energy expenditure of 14 volunteer nurses at the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre in Washington DC were analyzed by scientists.  

Movement, temperature, body position and other indicators of activity and rest were tracked by an arm band worn by each of the participants.The ‘short sleepers’ were found to have an average body mass index (BMI) of 28.3 while the ‘long sleepers’ were found to have an average BMI of 24.5.  

Normal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9, while anything ranging from 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and anyone with BMI above 30 is considered obese. The study revealed that sleepless nights can disrupt natural hormonal balances which reduce levels of the 'hunger hormone' leptin, causing people to eat more.  

The study also revealed that people who have difficulty in sleeping also tend to be fairly disorganized and prone to “last minute” rushing.

'Stress and being less rested may cause these individuals to be less organised than normal weight individuals, meaning they would have to make more trips and take more steps to accomplish the same tasks. This might add to their stress and encourage other unhealthy behaviours like stress-eating,' said Chief investigator Dr. Arn Eliasson.