You may be logging hours on the treadmill each week, however a new study suggests that if you aren't getting the correct amount of sleep, you still may find yourself unable to shed unwanted weight.

Being sleep deprived surprisingly isn't the only culprit; too much time spent snoozing can also lead to obesity. After six years spent studying the sleep patterns of people, the researchers discovered that those who spent six hours or less in dreamland each night were more prone to be overweight, as were those who spent nine or more hours asleep. Those settling the difference at seven to eight hours of sleep each night fared much better with their weight.

The researchers aren't entirely sure why those who sleep longer than eight hours struggle with weight, but speculate though an individual may be spending more time in bed, they may not be getting the quality rest they need. Previous studies have already demonstrated a link between too little sleep and obesity, showing that lack of sleep also leads to a lack of energy to exercise and may make you hungrier as your body adjusts.

Though some individuals suffer from legitimate sleep disorders that need to be addressed by a medical professional, health experts say that the distractions of TV and the Internet are often responsible for people simply going to bed too late. They recommend shutting both down an hour before bed to give yourself adequate time to unwind.

» MSNBC Health