Fat gain in middle-aged men is related to sleep quality

The middle-aged weight gain that troubles many men is linked to reduced sleep quality, a new finding by researchers at the University of Chicago.

Between 1985 and 1999, researchers at the University of Chicago surveyed the sleep status of 149 healthy men, ranging in age from 16 to 83.

The survey results showed that these men's sleep was basically stable between the ages of 35 and 50, but the time for deep sleep was greatly reduced. Men under the age of 25 generally have 20% of their total sleep time, but men over 35 only have 5%. By the age of 45, they have basically lost their ability to sleep deeply.

Professor Van Court, who led the study, said men produce growth hormone during deep sleep, and shortening the duration of deep sleep leads to a decrease in growth hormone secretion.

They found that men over the age of 35 had nearly 75% less growth hormone secretion than when they were young, which may have contributed to the weight gain of most middle-aged men. Fat accumulation, increased waist circumference and muscle relaxation are all linked to growth hormone deficiencies. (Internship Editor: He Lili)