Want To Lose Weight? Then Go To Sleep

Are you one of the millions of people planning on losing weight in the new year? If so, experts say, "think sleep."

About two in five Americans will all make the same New Year's resolution this year -- to lose weight. But many will fail.

"Everybody makes a New Year's resolution," said Eric Wurtz, who's trying to lose weight. "You make it, you lose a few pounds, and then you end up putting it back."

While most people begin dieting and exercising, few are aware of the benefit a good night's sleep may have toward losing weight.

"Sleep loss is associated with important changes in the hormones that regulate appetite," said Dr. Michael Thorpy, director of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Medical Center. "This may be a contributing factor to obesity."

Studies in The Journal of the American Medical Association, and The Lancet suggest that chronic sleep loss may increase hunger and affect the body's metabolism, which may make it more difficult to maintain or lose weight.

Doctors still recommend eight hours of sleep per night for adults, but according to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, less than one-third of adults get that much sleep on weeknights -- a trend that may be contributing to America's weight problem.

"Most people don't realize that good sleep habits are important for a successful weight reduction program," Thorpy said. "If people have trouble falling asleep or remaining asleep then they should see their physician because there are safe and effective treatments available for sleep problems."

Some recomendations for getting a better night's sleep include:

Don't go to bed hungry.

Exercise regularly.

Establish a healthy sleep pattern by getting up and going to sleep around the same time every day.