Forty percent of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep a night, and the average American sleeps just 6.8 hours a night. In contrast, the average American slept 7.9 hours a night in 1942,[i] which is probably closer to what your body demands.

Nearly half of men polled by the Better Sleep Council said they believe you can train yourself to need less sleep[ii] … but this is a myth. You can cheat sleep by staying up late and getting up early – but your body won't be fooled.

Lack of sleep can leave you unable to concentrate and stressed out. It also contributes to chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, depression, immune system trouble and even weight gain and obesity. Too little sleep can even shrink your brain.

When facing sleepiness during the daylight hours, nearly one-third of adults turn to coffee or other caffeinated beverages to perk up,[iii] but this is only a temporary fix. Lurking under your caffeine buzz is a tired person just waiting to come out, probably when you least expect it.

11 Surprising Signs Your Body Needs Some Sleep

If you're nodding off during meetings or, worse, while driving, you know you need to get more shut-eye. Other signs can be much less obvious, yet no less important to take note of for your overall health. If any of these signs describe you, it's time to focus on getting more sleep.

1. You Fall Asleep the Second Your Head Hits the Pillow: This doesn't earn you bragging rights; falling asleep within five minutes of lying down is a sign of sleep deprivation (and may even a sleep disorder), according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.[iv]

2. You're a Klutz: Coordination takes focus, concentration and quick reaction times, all of which are altered when you're sleep deprived. If you're stumbling more often than usual, it's because your neurological function probably isn't at its best.

3. You Can't Make a Decision: Even simple decisions, like what kind of coffee to order, take on monumental difficulty when you're overtired, because sleep deprivation makes you less able to discern between relevant and irrelevant information.

4. You Take More Risks: Sleep deprivation boosts production in brain regions associated with positive outcomes while minimizing those that analyze negative outcomes.[v] The end result is an increase in risky decisions.

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