Increasing sleep duration to improve health in people with obesity

Biomarkers of Habitual Short Sleep and Related Cardiometabolic Risk

Not applicable Interventional University of Utah · NCT06180837

This study is testing if getting an extra 2 hours of sleep each night can help people with obesity improve their health and insulin sensitivity.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Utah Academic / other
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Trial IDNCT06180837 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the effects of extending sleep duration on plasma ceramides and insulin sensitivity in individuals with overweight and obesity who typically sleep less than 6.5 hours per night. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a sleep extension group, which will receive guidance to increase their nightly sleep by 2 hours, or a control group that will maintain their usual sleep habits while receiving basic health information. The intervention will last for 8 weeks, and both groups will be monitored for sleep duration and undergo laboratory assessments to evaluate metabolic changes. The study employs a randomized controlled design to ensure robust results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-45 with a BMI between 27.5 and 34.9 who report sleeping less than 6.5 hours per night.

Not a fit: Patients with clinically diagnosed sleep disorders, significant organ dysfunction, or those currently enrolled in weight loss programs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved metabolic health and weight management for individuals struggling with obesity.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of sleep extension in this context may be novel, related studies have indicated that improving sleep can positively affect metabolic health.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age: 18-45 years old; equal numbers of men and women
2. Body mass index (BMI): 27.5-34.9 kg/m2
3. Sleep Habits: habitual self-reported average total sleep time (TST) \<6.5 hours per night for prior 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clinically diagnosed sleep disorder or major psychiatric illness
2. Evidence of significant organ dysfunction or disease (e.g., heart disease, kidney disease)
3. Clinically diagnosed diabetes or fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL or HbA1c ≥6.5%
4. Use of prescription drugs or substances known to influence sleep or glucose metabolism, or anticoagulant medications.
5. Cancer that has been in remission less than 5 years
6. Pregnant/nursing, experiencing menopause or post-menopausal
7. Shift-work: current or history of within last year
8. Weight change: \>10% of body weight over prior six months
9. Current enrollment in weight loss or physical activity program like the Diabetes Prevention Program
10. Currently smoking
11. Alcohol intake\>14 drinks per week or \>3 drinks per day

Where this trial is running

Salt Lake City, Utah

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lifestyle FactorsOverweight and ObesityInsulin SensitivityEating HabitSleep HygieneType 2 DiabetesSleepSleep Deprivation
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.