It seems like an excuse but it is not. One is still at fault for not sleeping enough - that would include me. Thanks to med school.

According to a study of nearly 70,000 women over a period of 16 years, researchers found that women who slept 5-6 hours or less had significant weight gain (33 pounds more) compared to women who slept 7 hours or more.

Besides the effects of the hormone leptin on metabolism, my take on this is that lack of sleep also leads to behavioral changes:

• If you are sleeping more, you are not eating as much.
• If you are awake more, you are more exhausted.
• If you are more exhausted, you tend to sugary snacks to keep you going.
• People who sleep less may also tend to be very busy and less organized.
• Busy and less organized means less nutritious meals and eating on the run - fast food.

So - lose weight and get more sleep! Aim for 8 hours.

A side note:
Fibromyalgia sufferers are found to have poor sleep history prior to symptom onset...Read More

It seems like an excuse but it is not. One is still at fault for not sleeping enough - that would include me. Thanks to med school.

According to a study of nearly 70,000 women over a period of 16 years, researchers found that women who slept 5-6 hours or less had significant weight gain (33 pounds more) compared to women who slept 7 hours or more.

Besides the effects of the hormone leptin on metabolism, my take on this is that lack of sleep also leads to behavioral changes:

• If you are sleeping more, you are not eating as much.
• If you are awake more, you are more exhausted.
• If you are more exhausted, you tend to sugary snacks to keep you going.
• People who sleep less may also tend to be very busy and less organized.
• Busy and less organized means less nutritious meals and eating on the run - fast food.

So - lose weight and get more sleep! Aim for 8 hours.

A side note:
Fibromyalgia sufferers are found to have poor sleep history prior to symptom onset...Read More