Sleep Your Way To Weight Loss

You don't eat it or drink it. You can't get it at a health club. But you need it to be healthy. You need sleep. One study found that not sleeping long enough could cause weight gain. A researcher found that when you are tired, not only do you want more food, you also want "junkier" food.

If you don't sleep enough, you also fall prey to memory problems, depression, a weakened immune system, and increased chance of becoming sick. So how much sleep is enough? Most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night; children as much as 10. "Catching up" or sleeping in on the weekend doesn't help.

If you are overweight, chances are you are not getting a restful night's sleep. WebMD points out that "short sleepers" (both adults and children who don't sleep enough) are more likely to be obese. If you have Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea (a condition when one stops breathing for a short time) may affect your health, too.

The best advice is to get to a healthy weight and maintain regular bedtime hours seven days a week, even on Saturdays and Sundays.