Short sleep duration is associated with reduced leptin, elevated ghrelin, and increased body mass index (BMI). A study of 1,024 participants from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study found a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and BMI, with increased BMI proportional to decreased sleep. Participants sleeping less than 8 hours had lower leptin and higher ghrelin levels, independent of BMI. These hormonal changes may increase appetite, contributing to weight gain. The study highlights the role of sleep in regulating metabolism and body weight, suggesting that chronic sleep restriction in Western societies, where food is abundant, may contribute to obesity. The findings indicate that short sleep duration affects appetite-regulating hormones, potentially leading to increased food intake and weight gain. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of sleep on obesity and to determine if increasing sleep duration could help in weight management.Short sleep duration is associated with reduced leptin, elevated ghrelin, and increased body mass index (BMI). A study of 1,024 participants from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study found a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and BMI, with increased BMI proportional to decreased sleep. Participants sleeping less than 8 hours had lower leptin and higher ghrelin levels, independent of BMI. These hormonal changes may increase appetite, contributing to weight gain. The study highlights the role of sleep in regulating metabolism and body weight, suggesting that chronic sleep restriction in Western societies, where food is abundant, may contribute to obesity. The findings indicate that short sleep duration affects appetite-regulating hormones, potentially leading to increased food intake and weight gain. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of sleep on obesity and to determine if increasing sleep duration could help in weight management.