anyone else a night shifter?

tbresina

I think a lot of my problems stem from being a straight night shift worker. I work at a local hospital and have been on straight nights for the past 8 years. Needless to say I don't get much sleep. I eat right, exercise but I lack severly in the sleep department. From everything I have read, sleep plays a very big role in losing weight. I sleep 4 hrs then get up to walk the dog, come back and try for another 1-2 hrs. I go to 6 workout classes a week and that is a huge priority for me, I never miss them but some say I should miss a few to catch up on sleep. I don't know what to do. I am not overweight anymore. I was 172 and now I am at 152 but I have a goal of 145 and more tone/definition. I am 5ft 6 btw. I seem to have hit a plateau though even though I am working out like crazy and eating very healthy, could the only thing missing be sleep? I am scared to slack off on the exercise for fear I will gain or get out of the habit, its easy for me to do! Just frustrated. Oh and I refuse to give up my red wine. I have about 4-5 glasses a week but other than that I have no vices like cigarettes etc. Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated! On the weekends I have off (I work every other) I sleep 10 full hrs straight!