You Don't Need 8 Hours of Sleep ... in a Row

Not getting enough rest takes a toll on work, social, sex lives

(NEWSER) - Americans are getting by on less and less rest, a survey by the National Sleep Foundation reveals. Fewer than half of Americans say they get a good night's sleep, and average sleep times are about 2 hours shorter than those reported 40 years ago. Sleeplessness is taking a toll not just on Americans' health but also on their love lives—a quarter of married or cohabiting couples say they're often too tired to have sex, HealthDay News reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Think you can get by just fine on 6 hours of sleep a night? Unless you're part of a tiny portion of the population with a mutant gene, you better tuck yourself in a little earlier, reports USA Today. A new study in Science says 97% of the population needs about 8 hours a night to function at top form. The rest—and their numbers are ever dwindling—have a genetic mutation that blesses them with deep sleep and the need for less of it. More»

Most Brits prefer snoozing to other bed activities, survey says

(NEWSER) - As bedroom activities go, more than three-quarters of Britons would choose a really good night of sleep over sex, writes the Telegraph. And with 79% preferring extra shut-eye, about 70% reported trouble sleeping, and 25% suspected insomnia. Although many people believe 8 hours per night is necessary, nearly everyone is getting less than that. More»

New drug could replace addictive sedatives as travel cure

(NEWSER) - A new drug could allow travelers to fly past jet lag without the lingering drowsiness of addictive sedatives, the BBC reports. The drug resets natural sleep rhythms by adjusting the body’s sleep hormone, melatonin, allowing sleep to come sooner and last longer. If approved, Tasimelteon could provide welcome relief to airline crews, frequent fliers, and graveyard-shift workers. More»

Forbes explains why Americans aren't getting enough sleep

(NEWSER) - The health benefits of sleep are well-documented, but catching Zs isn't so easy in a society all about hard work and an active lifestyle. Forbes runs down some reasons Americans aren't getting enough quality time with their pillows.

• Marital problems: A bad marriage makes for poor shut-eye. Happy wives fell asleep easier and have a more restful slumber, according to one study.