Two of the biggest challenges for many new moms are weight loss and adequate sleep. A study of 940 women after child birth revealed that those who regularly slept 5 hours or less per day were 3 times more likely to be 11 pounds overweight at their babies first birthday, when compared with those who slept 7 hours or more per day. The results suggest that getting enough sleep may be just as important as diet and exercise for moms trying to loose the extra weight commonly associated with childbearing.
Am J Epidemiol 2008 Jan 15; 167(2); 178-87. Epub 2007 Oct. 29