Fat and Tired

American Baby reports that Americans today average seven hours sleep per night. One hundred years ago, the average was nine hours. The sleepless trend, the magazine says, may be contributing to Americans' overweight problem. Sleep deprivation throws off the hormones in a way that increases one's appetite. American Baby, March 2005, p. 14.

We suspect home entertainment is to blame, at least partially. You don't need much energy, and even less mental rigor, to watch TV, and the fare is usually pretty good, thus enticing you to stay up late and get less sleep.

Just our un-scientific two cents.

(And by the way, in case any of our virile readers are snickering, Eric Scheske doesn't read American Baby. Mrs. Scheske reads it, saw the story, and brought it to Eric with one of his evening beers.)