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Article posted: 11/26/2012 6:00 AM

Lack of sleep a chronic public health issue

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Usually 7½ to eight hours of sleep are enough for most people.

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Not getting enough sleep takes its toll on the body and can impact a person's performance.

Keeping a regular schedule can help improve sleep, experts say.

About this Article

Chronic lack of sleep is more than just a nagging problem. It's a serious public health issue, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A sleep-deprived society pays a high cost, with some industrial, public transportation, traffic, medical and other accidents blamed on lack of sleep. “Persons experiencing sleep insufficiency are also more likely to suffer from chronic diseases ... and reduced quality of life and productivity,” the CDC states.