sleep yourself thin

staying in shape is really tough. i try to watch what i eat and exercise three times a week. for me maintaining my weight and losing weight (as needed) is really tough. ive done weight watchers, where i reached my goal weight, but it was really tough. though age can effect ones metabolism, i dont really think thats my problem. i clearly recall at 24 having to watch myself like a hawk to prevent weight gain.
over the past few years sleep deprivation has been a hot topic in books and magazines. sleeping less than 5 or 6 hrs a night has been linked to weight gain as well as contributing to other health maladies. though ive tried to get enough sleep over the past few years, its been a real struggle.
recently i was chatting with a co-worker about sleep deprivation and weight gain. apparently, she had suffered with this very issue and when she got more sleep she lost weight.
i know that when i stay up too late i tend to keep eating, so if id get to sleep earlier id probably lose weight just because i would have less hours id be eating!
over pesach i made sure to get at least 8 hrs of sleep. i usually gain 5 lbs over pesach which i never lose over the year. this year, although i did not lose any weight over the holiday, i did not gain any weight either. to me this is a real victory.
so far this week ive stayed the same, and ive been making a real effort to get at least 7 hrs of sleep. wish me luck . ill keep you posted as to my progress...