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. So sleep may prevent fibromyalgia.