Did you know that many grown-ups are walking around like zombies because they aren't getting enough sleep? It's true!

The experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. But guess what?

One out of every three adults is falling short of that recommendation! In a survey from 2016, one out of every five people said they were only getting five hours of sleep or less each night. Yikes!

The Surprising Effects of Being Tired

When you don't get enough sleep, it can have some pretty wacky effects on your body. If you're running on too little sleep, you might not even realize that your brain isn't working at its best. Your ability to focus might go out the window, and you might find yourself easily distracted. Ever find yourself clicking from one tab to another on your computer, not able to concentrate? Blame it on lack of sleep!

Grumpy Pants

Lack of sleep can turn you into a grumpy grouch! Just a few lost hours of sleep can make you feel angrier and less patient. In one study, people who were sleep-deprived reported feeling more upset over little things, like an itchy t-shirt or a noisy dog. Nobody wants to be a grumpy pants at work!

More Risks, Less Rewards

Not getting enough sleep can also make you take bigger risks. You might find yourself making choices you normally wouldn't, just because your brain is all foggy from not enough rest. Being tired can mess with your decision-making skills, and not in a good way!

What to Do When You're Feeling Sleepy

If you're feeling super sleepy and know you can't perform at your best, it's best to stay home. But if you're just a little tired and need a pick-me-up to get through the day, try these tips:

- Get outside and soak up some sunlight

- Move around and get that blood pumping

- Have some caffeine, but not too much

- Take a short nap to recharge

- And most importantly, make sure to get a good night's sleep to recover from your tired day

Remember, sleep is super important for adults too! So make sure to catch those Z's and keep that brain in tip-top shape!

The brain benefits of deep sleep -- and how to get more of it | Dan Gartenberg

Video by TED