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Dose of Health: Sleep well to fight obesity

Research has shown for years that skimping on sleep can be associated with weight gain. Though we don't have all the answers, new information offers a possible explanation.

Everybody knows how to lose weight: diet and exercise, right? Well, not so fast.

Since the 1960s, Americans have gradually decreased their average sleep by one to two hours a night. The incidence of obesity has almost tripled during the same time frame. Is there a connection?

The answer is "Yes". Some studies show that a lack of sleep interferes with the ability to break down carbohydrates leading to higher insulin levels and body-fat storage.

Other studies speculate that sleeping less may slow your metabolic rate.

Could it be even more simple? Maybe so.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that men who slept for only 4 hours a night ate 22% more calories than they ate after sleeping 8 hours.

That's right. The more they slept, the less they ate. Not only did they have fewer hours to be eating but their levels of leptin, the hormone that helps you feel full, were elevated so they didn't feel as hungry.

Add that to the fact that getting adequate rest helps you feel more energized to get out and exercise.

Most experts recommend that adults get at least 7-8 hours sleep every night. We usually get up at the same time every day - we just need to get better about when we turn out the lights.

Pediatric studies are showing a similar risk of obesity in children who get less than 9 hours sleep a night.