As men age, they typically get less and less deep sleep—a fact that could 1 the weight gain that often 2 middle-age, medical researchers said this week
The link between sleep and " love handles " (俚语，腰部赘肉), double chins and expanding paunch (大肚子) centers on a hormone 3 produced during deep sleep, the scientists from the University of Chicago reported in the August 16 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association.
With less deep or slow-wave sleep, there is less bodily production of the growth hormone. That deficiency is associated with increased fat tissue and abdominal obesity, reduced muscle mass and strength and reduced exercise 4 . These results are particularly noted in the elderly.
The researchers found that deep sleep in men younger than 25 was about 20 percent of a night"s sleep. Between age 25 and 35, the deep sleep 5 about 12 percent. After age 35, it"s 5 percent or less. By the time men reach 45, they have nearly lost the ability to 6 and after age 50, men"s total sleep declines by about 27 minutes per 7 of age.
The researchers said any treatment to improve a man"s sleep would need to begin at age 35-40. A new drug is tested to see if it will increase deep sleep. 8 other than medicine can 9 deep sleep—for example, increasing body heat by taking a hot bath before beet Exercising at least 20 minutes three or four times a week is also 10 .