WASHINGTON — The secret to making money has finally been revealed, and anyone can do it.

Just sleep less and work more.

Citing the American Time Use Survey, The New York Times reports people who make the most sleep about 40 minutes a day less than people in the lowest-income families. People who work two jobs rank in the bottom 10 percent of sleepers.

But it might not be worth it. The Times says research shows poor sleep also is associated with a number of other health problems and an increased risk of dying in a car accident.

People who sleep the least also have longer commutes, watch more TV and spend more time than most getting ready in the morning.

But Daniel Hamermesh, a professor of economics at the University of Texas at Austin and the Royal Holloway University of London, tells the Times there is a sound economic theory at work. The more someone can earn, the more worthwhile it might seem to sleep a little less.