Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Insomnia, Short Sleep, and Their Treatments: Review of Their Associations with Weight
Kelly C Allison1, Lindsey Parnarouskis2,3, Molly D Moore2
1Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Suite 3029, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-3309, USA. kca@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Insomnia
Multiple factors contribute...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Management of Insomnia
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Narcolepsy

