Improving weight loss in young adults by extending sleep duration

Sleep Extension: A Novel Intervention for Weight Loss in Young Adults

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-10922859

This study is looking at whether getting more sleep can help young adults who usually sleep less than 6.5 hours a night lose weight, by comparing those who just change their lifestyle to those who also get extra sleep.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10922859 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how extending sleep duration can aid in weight loss for young adults who typically sleep less than 6.5 hours a night. The study will involve a randomized clinical trial where participants will receive either lifestyle intervention alone or a combination of lifestyle intervention and sleep extension. By focusing on the relationship between sleep and eating behaviors, the research aims to determine if better sleep can lead to reduced caloric intake and improved weight loss outcomes. Participants will be monitored using accelerometers and mobile applications to track their sleep patterns and behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are overweight young adults aged 18-30 who habitually sleep less than 6.5 hours per night.

Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or those who already maintain healthy sleep patterns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel approach to weight loss that emphasizes the importance of sleep, potentially leading to better health outcomes for young adults.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of sleep extension as a weight loss strategy is relatively novel, preliminary evidence suggests that improving sleep may positively influence weight management.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.