Nighty night

A 2006 sleep study at Columbia University involved the examination of survey data on 4,810 people (excluding those who were overweight or suffered from sleep disorders) and found that those who slept less than 5 hours a night increased blood pressure by an average of 60 percent.

Sleep deprivation -- and, whether you agree or not, getting less than five hours of sleep is classified as being sleep deprived -- stimulates stress hormones, which cause spikes in blood pressure. Now, if you start missing sleep regularly, that's when the more long-term problems with blood pressure begin, as it may lead to lasting damage to heart valves.

But, what about people who try to sleep but simply can't? Their minds are whirring, they toss and turn in the bed, and before they know it, it's 3:00 in the morning. Doctors suggest engaging in an evening exercise program. Once completed, your body's core temperature will be lower, and you will feel physically taxed from the workout. Next Stop: The Land of Nod. Population: A healthier You.