CDC: Third of U.S. Workers Not Getting Enough Sleep

Feeling tired at work? You're not alone. A new CDC study out Friday suggests that nearly 1 in 3 American civilian workers get less than six hours of sleep per night, significantly less than the recommended seven to nine hours.

CBS News explains that researchers say the deficit effects both people’s overall health and their safety at work. In 2010, a total of 4,547 workers died from occupational injuries, and another 39,000 died from work-related illnesses.

It comes as no surprise that night-shift workers are among those most vulnerable to sleep deprivation—about 44 percent reported not getting enough shut-eye. Also on the list are health care workers, social assistant workers and, particularly troubling, people who work in the transportation sector.

Not getting enough sleep is especially dangerous for the 44 percent of truck drivers and 29 percent of bus, taxi and limo drivers who aren’t sleeping enough, the study suggests. The CDC estimates that 20 percent of vehicle accidents are linked to drowsy driving.

The study also pointed out that middle-aged workers—that is those between the ages of 30 and 64 years—were more likely to report a lack of sleep than their younger and older counterparts. 

You check out the full CDC report here.