You might disagree with Mindy Kaling of "The Office" and "The Mindy Project," who claims that there isn't a sunrise beautiful enough for her to wake up and see. But by insisting on getting enough sleep, she's got sleep science solidly on her side.

She's also a lot more sleep-smart than many North Americans.

The “2014: Sleep in America” poll found that more than 50 percent of 15-to 17-year-olds, and 25 percent of 12-to 14-year-olds get less than seven hours of sleep nightly.

And parents had no idea that for peak health, their 12-to 14-year olds (according to new National Sleep Foundation guidelines) need between 9 and 11 hours, while teens between 15 and 17 require 8 to 10 hours every night.

But Mom and Dad aren’t doing any better!

Around 40 percent of adults get six or fewer hours of sleep a night (14 percent say it's usually five or less). The NSF says people ages 18 to 64 need 7 to 9 hours, and those 65 and older plus need 7 to 8.

Why the new NSF guidelines? Because lack of sleep is a growing problem that causes everything from poor school performance to driving accidents, increased risk of infection and disease, over-the-top stress responses, mood swings, and relationship problems.

So make your house sleep-smart: Set a bedtime and stick to it. No digital devices in any bedroom EVER; no TV for an hour before bed; and while you're sleeping, make sure the only light in your bathroom and bedroom is a red nightlight.