Sleep more, eat better: can sleep duration influence our dietary intake?

Sleep more, eat better: can sleep duration influence our dietary intake?

• Short sleep duration is associated with obesity, diet being a key mediator
• Lengthening sleep duration is a feasible lifestyle intervention in young healthy people
• Sleep extension may lead to reduced intake of free sugars, and may be a potential behavioural intervention to prevent weight gain

Dr Wendy Hall, Reader in Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences.

Dr Wendy Hall’s PhD was on physiological mechanisms mediating effects of dietary amino acids on appetite at the University of Surrey (2001). Following postdoctoral appointments researching Vitamin E biokinetics at the University of Surrey, and cardio-metabolic effects of dietary isoflavones and fatty acids at the University of Reading, she took up her first academic appointment as Lecturer at King’s College London in 2005. A key objective of Dr Hall’s research is to provide high quality clinical trial data, using standardised methodologies, to provide scientific evidence relevant to public health policy and the food and drink industry.

Specific interests include investigating effects of dietary fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids, saturated fatty acids), polyphenols (particularly those derived from soy, apple and berries), sleep/dietary quality interactions, and effects of weight loss strategies on cardio-metabolic disease risk markers. Dr Hall has received research funding from the Department of Health/Food Standards Agency, BBSRC, MRC, Innovate UK, Almond Board of California, DIANA Food, Lighterlife (UK), and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.