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Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms: novel risk factors for obesity

Josiane L Broussard1, Eve Van Cauter

  • 1aSleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, ColoradobSleep, Metabolism and Health Center, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity
|September 2, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are emerging risk factors for obesity. New research highlights the endocannabinoid system and gut microbiome as key links, with timing of food intake as a potential countermeasure.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic Health
  • Chronobiology
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder with limited effective long-term treatments.
  • Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for obesity prevention.
  • Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to metabolic dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent scientific developments linking sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances to obesity risk.
  • To explore novel research on potential countermeasures for obesity prevention.
  • To summarize key findings on the role of the endocannabinoid system and gut microbiome in sleep-obesity links.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on sleep, circadian rhythms, and obesity.
  • Synthesis of findings on physiological mechanisms linking circadian misalignment to metabolic changes.
  • Analysis of emerging research on interventions targeting sleep and circadian timing.

Main Results:

  • Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances in youth increase lifelong obesity risk.
  • Circadian misalignment, e.g., from shift work, negatively impacts energy balance and promotes weight gain.
  • The endocannabinoid system and gut microbiome alterations are implicated in the sleep-obesity relationship.
  • Timing of caloric intake emerges as a potential strategy to prevent obesity.

Conclusions:

  • Insufficient sleep and circadian misalignment are significant, modifiable risk factors for obesity.
  • Understanding the interplay between sleep, circadian rhythms, feeding behavior, and the gut microbiome is vital.
  • Novel strategies, including optimizing meal timing, show promise for obesity prevention.

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