#1 Goal = Sleep

Sleep: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
(By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay Reporter)

Before Thomas Edison invented the light bulb in 1880, people slept an average of 10 hours a night. These days, Americans average 6.9 hours of sleep on weeknights and 7.5 hours a night on weekends, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

"It's sort of part of the culture," Belenky said. "People pride themselves on getting little sleep. You'll hear people bragging, 'I only need six hours a night.' So there's a macho element here."

Doctors have linked lack of sleep to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, depression and substance abuse.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health offers these tips for getting a good night's sleep:

Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
(Oops... broke that rule around the end of February!)

Avoid exercising closer than five or six hours before bedtime.
(Is that really possible for any of us?)

Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed.
(But those Diet Dr. Peppers are a NECESSITY!)

Avoid large meals and beverages late at night.
(Would take so much discipline... )

Don't take naps after 3 p.m.
(Already broke that rule today too.)

Relax before bed, taking time to unwind with a hot bath, a good book or soothing music.
(Again, sheer discipline.)

If you're still awake after more than 20 minutes in bed, get up and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy. Anxiety over not being able to sleep can make it harder to fall asleep.

*** I thought I'd post parts of this article to remind you all: If you have the option to sleep at any given time... SLEEP! Today Crosby has slept more than ever in a day and I have slept the whole time he has; a new woman, I tell ya... so what do I do? Stay up blogging. Yes I am insane. And now: I'm going to do Caitlin's tag!