Many of us, particularly the hard driving Type A individuals, claim they need only 6 hours of sleep to be productive. Unfortunately, most are likely fooling themselves. A recent study at the University of California-San Francisco published in Science has identified a genetic mutation that causes individuals to need only 6 hours of sleep nightly. This gene runs in families and only occurs in 3% of individuals.

For the rest of us, 7-8 ½ hours are required for both health and productivity. Most of us are building a large and dangerous sleep debt. Individuals with chronic sleep deprivation are likely to have increased motor vehicle accidents as well as short term memory, focus and attention issues. Depression and inability to control appetite are also associated with inadequate sleep. Lastly, obesity and increased vascular inflammation have been linked to poor sleep quantity and quality. Obviously, adequate sleep is a huge preventive medicine issue.

The good news? Researchers are working on a compound that could mimic the gene mutation. Until then, listen to your mother and get 8 hours of sleep.