Sleep on it

In addition to following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, getting a good night’s sleep is important for weight control in both adults and children.

Lack of sleep can affect how fast your body burns calories as well as how hungry you feel. In one study, men who were sleep deprived were more hungry and their cravings for foods like bread, pasta, cakes, and candy increased.

Another study showed that nurses who slept no more than five hours a night were more likely to gain weight than their counterparts who slept at least seven hours. Kids who sleep less than eight hours a night are also at higher risk for childhood obesity.

Lack of sleep may also start a vicious cycle. When you’re overtired you may not have the energy to exercise. Sleep-deprived people also have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, because lack of sleep affects the way your body uses insulin.

source:  National Sleep Foundation