The new science of drowsiness

Fifty years ago, only a tiny minority of the population reported getting six hours of sleep a night or less. But a recent CDC poll reports that 30% of Americans now get six hours or less. This chronic sleep deprivation is harmful, both to the individual (the health effects are many) and to others (sleep deprivation is a significant contributor to fatal auto accidents).

Nova breaks it down in this article and their upcoming special, "Taming the Hidden Drowsiness Epidemic."

Image courtesy Flickr/Johnnnnnn