New Jerseyans Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep [AUDIO]

When it comes to sleep, New Jerseyans aren't getting enough.

That's according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which divided the 50 states into five groups according to the number of days residents say they do not get enough sleep. In the Garden State, residents report getting inadequate sleep 11.5 to 13 nights every month, or more than one-third of the time.

"The phone rings, we answer it, an email comes, we answer it. It has us all keyed up," said Dr. Jonathan Kass, Director of the Sleep Disorder Center at Cooper University Hospital. "Many people need to relax before they go to bed. It's not always so easy to be very active right up until the time you go to sleep."

"Adults generally need 8 or 9 hours of sleep per night," said Kass. "But, in reality, they're only getting 6 or 7."

Of course, when you don't get enough sleep, you don't exactly feel good the next day. "You're not as sharp, your cognitive function and your memory may be worse. Your mood may be different," said Kass. "Many people who don't get enough sleep become irritable and if they're prone to depression, lack of sleep can bring that on as well."

Continuously getting inadequate amounts of sleep can also lead to health issues over time including diabetes, heart problems stroke and high blood pressure.

"Sleep needs to become a priority just like eating and drinking," said Kass. "If you get less than 8 or 9 hours on a particular night, try to catch up during the day if you can. What matters is the amount of sleep you are able to get in a 24 hour period."