Aug 19, 2010

40 Hours and 40 Winks?

Apparently the biggest factor in the amount of sleep we get is whether or not we have a job. Earlier this week, the Washington Post featured an article on a new report, 'Not So Deprived: Sleep in America, 1965-2005,' that found that employment status had a greater effect on sleep than age, race, or sex.

The report also found that Americans seem to be getting more sleep now than they did in 2000. Part of the story may be that, when left to our devices, we tend to underestimate the actual amount of sleep we get.

For a skeptical look at widespread sleep deprivation, check out Deflating the Bogus Insomnia Epidemic in Discover. And explore the science of why we sleep, and what happens when we don't, in Sleep.

Do you get enough sleep? Does your job affect the amount of sleep you get? Have you ever taken a nap at work?

THE LAB sticker

Unlock member-only exclusives and support the show

Exclusive Podcast Extras
Entire Podcast Archive
Listen Ad-Free
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Video Extras
Original Music & Playlists