Severe Sleep Restriction Suppresses Appetite Independent of Effects on Food Intake-Regulating Hormones

Abstract Objectives Several nights of moderate (4–5 hr/night) sleep restriction increases appetite and energy intake, and may alter circulating concentrations of food intake-regulating hormones. Whether more severe sleep restriction has similar effects is undetermined. This study aimed to determine the effects of severe, short-term sleep restriction on appetite and food intake-regulating hormones. Methods Randomized, crossover study in which 18 healthy men (mean ± SD: BMI 24.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2, 20 ± 2 yr) were assigned to three consecutive nights of sleep restriction (SR; 2 hr sleep/night) or adequate sleep (AS; 7–9 hr sleep/night) with controlled feeding and activity throughout the 3-day period. On day 4, participants consumed a standardized breakfast. Appetite ratings, and circulating ghrelin, peptide-YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), insulin, and glucose concentrations were measured before and for 4hr after the meal. Ad libitum energy and macronutrient intakes were then measured at a provided buffet lunch. Results Median PYY (–21%) and GLP-1 (–14%) concentrations were lower, and median glucose (3%) concentrations were higher after SR relative to after AS (main effect of condition, P < 0.05; condition-by-time interaction, P = NS). Ghrelin and insulin did not differ between conditions. Mean hunger (–23%), desire to eat (–23%), and prospective consumption (–18%) ratings were all lower, and mean fullness (27%) ratings were higher after SR relative to after AS (main effect of condition, P < 0.05; condition-by-time interaction, P = NS). Ad libitum energy intake at the lunch meal was 14% lower after SR relative to after AS (–332 kcal [95% CI: −479, −185] P < 0.001), but macronutrient composition did not differ. Conclusions In contrast with reported effects of moderate sleep restriction, severe sleep restriction reduced appetite and energy intake. Appetite suppression was likely not due to the observed differences in food intake-regulating hormones as sleep-restriction induced reductions in PYY and GLP-1 concentrations would be expected to increase appetite. Funding Sources US Army MRDC. Authors’ views do not reflect official DoD or Army policy.