Lack of Sleep Can Make You Obese

Scientists are finding evidence proves sleep deprivation has a direct affect appetite, weight gain, diabetes, the immune system, and depression, according to a report from the University of Chicago.

The test group restricted men to 4 hour of sleep a night. After only 2 nights the men had an 18 percent decrease in leptin, the hormone that tells the brain you are full, and 28 percent increase in ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunter

These results were reinforced last October by a study of 10,000 adults that found a direct link between people who slept fewer than 7 hours a night and obesity. Studies are also showing that sleep deprivation affects how the body handles insulin, and insulin resistance increases the risk of weight gain and diabetes. (CNN)

Even limiting your sleep to 6.5 hours a night can have dire effects on the body. Short sleepers produce 30 - 40 percent more insulin. People also have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can increase the chances of depression.

These are significant findings for people who are obese or have a hard time 'sticking to a job until it is done.' These people may be suffering from nothing more than their body's natural reaction to a lack of sleep.