Americans get less than six hours of sleep a night

If you think your lack of sleep won't hurt you or the ones around you, think again.  A new report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) shows that Americans who get fewer than six hours of sleep a night are putting themselves and their co-workers at risk.

Lack of sleep is a problem millions of Americans face.  Dr. Sara Luckhaupt, the lead author of the study done by NIOSH, told HealthDay News that 41 million Americans aren't getting the recommended amount of sleep, which is seven to nine hours according to the National Sleep Foundation.

"Not surprisingly, workers who work the night shift are more likely to not get enough sleep," she said to HealthDay News. Also, people who work more than one job or more than 40 hours a week are likely to get too little sleep, Luckhaupt said.

Where the danger comes is what type of job you work and your hours.  About 44 percent of night shift workers get too little sleep.  And nearly 70 percent of those working the night shifts in transportation and warehousing are sleep-deprived, the study said.

Workers who don't get enough sleep are more likely to get injured on the job or make mistakes that could injures other.  Insufficient sleep can also begin to affect your health overtime, resulting in problems like obesity, diabetes and depression.

NIOSH gave some tips on how to get a better night's rest.  Sleep at the same time every day, make sure the bedroom is quiet and dark, adjust the temperature so it's not too hot or cold, and use the bed for sleep, not TV or reading.