A Lot Of Americans Are Sleep Deprived

Sleep is so important for our physical and mental health, but it looks like one out of every three American's isn't getting enough Zzz's every night, according to a new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Research published in the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows that about 35 percent of U.S. adults are sleeping less than seven hours a night: The National Sleep Foundational (NSF) recommends that adults get between 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

"People have to recognize that sleep is just as important as what they're eating and how much they're exercising," said Dr. Shalini Paruthi, co-director of the Sleep Medicine and Research Center at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, according to Health Day. "It's one of the pillars of good health."

The study is particularly important as it's one of the first to analyze trends coming from self-reported healthy sleep duration in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia.

Researchers did this by examining a wide-range of factors to determine that--and despite what most might think about sharing their bed with a partner and/or kids--married people reported that they were getting a better night's rest at seven hours a night or more when compared to 62 percent of those who were never married and just 56 percent who were divorced, widowed or separated.

Researchers believe it may have to do with a number of things. However, some studies suggest that living with a significant other can improve health outcomes. Thus, when it comes to the right sleep habits, the same may apply.

Work also appears to influence a good night's rest, with employed individuals getting a better night's sleep at 65 percent when compared to those who were unable to work or unemployed (51 percent and 60 percent, respectively).

Findings also showed that those with higher education appeared to get better sleep, as well. The percentage of people with healthy sleep duration was highest among people with a college degree or higher (72 percent), the survey noted.

An insignificant amount of sleep can lead to a long-list of health problems. In fact, some studies have suggested that sleep deprivation can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and more. Make sure to talk with your doctor if you're having sleep issues. 

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