Adults who increased the amount of sleep they had reported consuming less sugary foods and making better nutritional choices, according to the King’s College London (KCL) study.

Researchers said the findings strengthened the link between lack of sleep and a poor quality diet.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, sought to increase sleep in 21 adults getting less than the recommended minimum of seven hours every night.

The group undertook a sleep consultation aiming to extend their time in bed by 1.5 hours.

They were told to avoid caffeine before sleeping, establish a relaxing routine and try not to go to bed too full or hungry.

Of those who received advice, 86 per cent spent more time in bed and around half increased their sleep duration.

Researchers found extending sleep patterns resulted in a 10 gram reduction in intake of free sugars compared to baseline levels.

They also noticed trends for reduced intake of carbohydrates among those getting more sleep.

Those in a control group of 21 participants, who received no advice, reported no significant differences.

– PA