STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I am trying to lose weight, and have been eating healthier, smaller portions, taking vitamins, etc., but, the biggest thing I have trouble with is trying to get in exercise.  I have a treadmill at home, but it just seems like I never have time to use it.  Nights never work for me, I have commitments on most nights after work, which makes me get home late, so by the time I get home, pick up, make dinner, I just want to relax for a little bit before I have to go to bed.

So I think mornings make the most sense, but when I have tried getting up earlier in the morning, I am always just way too tired, or end up waking up too late.  Any tips for how to get my butt out of bed & do this without being too tired the rest of the day?

Also, how many times per week/how long do I need to work out to make a big enough difference?  I would be alternating walking/running - mostly walking though.

TIA!