Extending daylight-saving time

You might have heard already that a key feature of the new energy bill making its way through the U.S. Congress is a month long extension to daylight-saving time. While this might save energy, it's more bad news for the sleep-deprived. Research shows people sleep less during DST because it's later when the sun goes down. This also means kids will be going to school when it's still dark outside. Also making news, USA Today has an excellent report about the current state of our sleepy society in today's edition. The story features a photo of Mimi Payne, age 57, as she undergoes a sleep study at the UCLA Sleep Disorders Center.



The piece also includes data about sleep and aging and the impact of sleep loss on the body's immune system. In other news, there's a story out of England about a top Birmingham anesthetist who has been suspended after falling asleep during an operation. You'd think that his colleagues would have woke him up and suggested treatment rather than snapping pictures of him with their cell phones! An investigation is pending. -Shawn