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CHARLOTTE--Some sleep sleep specialists are saying that getting just an hour less of sleep than recommended could lead to packing on some unwanted pounds. The new advice comes following the release of a study connecting the two, as well as lots of national attention being given to the issue.

However it is not only people with a sleep condition that struggle with the problem. Sleep specialists say the average person pulls down the sheets and sleeps for at least an hour less than they should, and sleep deprivation and weight gain go hand in hand.

Dr. Carolyn Hart says this relationship is something she sees frequently among her patients.

"Sleep deprivation actually makes you hungry, and it slows down your metabolism. It changes something about your appetite hormones,” said Hart.

The hormones are leptin and ghrelin. They tell people when they are hungry and when they are satisfied.

"And when you're sleep deprived, your leptin and ghrelin levels act like they do when you're starving, and so they make you think you're hungry when really, what you are is sleepy,” said Hart.

However sleep deprivation also makes people less active.

"Who wants to go for a walk or go for a swim if you're tired?" said Hart.

After losing 170 pounds after a gastric bypass surgery, Charlotte resident Angie Wheeler said her sleep condition is gone and her whole health is improving, after realizing the sleep and weight connection.

"Sleep is just as important as anything else that is essential to good healthy living,” said Wheeler.

According to Hart, shortcuts such as such as "catching up" on sleep during the weekend, or even naps during the day, are not helpful. Hart said a person's body needs a full eight hours of sleep at night.