Yes I have also heard this and find it to be true – If I don’t get enough sleep I have a harder time recovering after a hard workout and the next day I suffer. My husband also works the night shift and I have a hard time being at home alone and find that I don’t sleep as well. I would usually resort to leaving the TV on until I would fall asleep which I found really messes up my sleep because I will wake up several times during the night to the sound of it. About a month ago, I started using our sound machine and it has worked wonders for me. It fills that void that I have because I don’t like it completely quiet, but it doesn’t wake me up in the middle of the night as well. I am getting such a good nights sleept aht I am now finding myself waking up naturally BEFORE my alarm goes off (imagine that!).

I have never been a very good sleeper, it's a family condition. Neither of my parents sleeps through the night and I have several other relatives that are the same. First I might recommend that you get rid of any caffeine that you use. It affects everyone differently, but once it's in your system it stays there for a while and can peak later in the day and even overnight. The other thing I would recommend is that instead of sleeping pills you ask your doctor for a muscle relaxant and see if that is better for you.

Sometimes when I'm having trouble sleeping I can fool myself by pretending that I can't stay awake. I know it sounds silly, but here are three ways I do that: 1) I imagine myself watching a boring movie where I just want to rest my eyes for a minute; 2) imitate a baby when it's eyes seem to be rolling back and it can't stay awake; 3) pretend I'm on stage acting like someone asleep . . . if I can convince the audience I can convince myself.:)

Almeeker, thanks for those tips! I appreciate it.

Alice, I just might try your "acting" techniques tonight!

I've read this, too. I understand that sleep is very important, but is it the lack of sleep itself that impedes weight loss, or is it that the lack of sleep makes us more tired and stressed which makes us eat more (or make worse food choices)?