Want to Lose Weight? Get More Sleep

Seattle, WA (WIBX) - Getting nine hours of sleep a night greatly increases the body's ability to lose weight.

In a study of genetic twins researchers at the University of Washington found that receiving nine hours of sleep a night greatly increases one's ability to reduce his or her body mass index.

Doctors say that the results do not promote oversleeping, but rather simply getting enough sleep, something most Americans do not seem to do.    The National Sleep Foundation estimates that nearly 100,000 car accidents are caused every year by drowsiness or drivers falling asleep at the wheel.

For a link to the study published in "Sleep," the official journal of The Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC visit: www.journalsleep.org.