I'm willing to venture a guess that very few of us can claim to get enough sleep. I don't know about you but I am just too freakin' busy to always get eight hours a night, though I try my darndest and do pretty well most of the time. But maybe this year, it's time to make sleep a priority -- I'm starting to think that there's nothing a proper sleep can't do, short of bringing about world peace, and maybe it could even do that if all the leaders in the world were taking afternoon naps.

Recent studies show that getting enough sleep can reduce your risk of heart attacks. Getting the proper amount of sleep can help you lose and maintain weight, control cravings, even out your metabolism and manage hunger-inducing stress better. So while work, chores or that latest episode of Lost might seem more pressing, you're better off getting some shut-eye. You'll thanks me when you slip on those skinny jeans.

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Unless you're: A) under the age of two; B) in high school; or C) eligible for an AARP card, naps are not usually considered socially acceptable. And anyway, who has the chance to nap? Most of us spend our afternoons in an office, running errands or doing something else that's productive.

But a nap, even a quick one, can really help restore alertness and improve your mood, so don't feel guilty about taking one. Divine Caroline has seven tips for napping effectively. Here are a couple:

• Don't sleep longer than 45 minutes. After this amount of time, you'll be drifting into deep sleep and will feel groggy when you wake up.
  
• Find a place to lie down -- it takes longer to fall asleep sitting up.
• Don't nap too close to bedtime -- you'll be lying awake when it's time to hit the sack.
  

Want more tips? Read the full article here.

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A couple of days ago, I told you how to sleep more deeply. But why is sleep so important? Here's list of what a lack of sleep can do to you:

• You body has difficulty processing glucose -- meaning you can't metabolize sugar properly, which makes your cells unhealthy ... and the rest of your body too.
  
• You're in a constant state of alertness, because your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, are spiked. This means you'll be under constant stress and will have trouble resting -- meaning you'll have trouble sleeping
• Your immune system weakens. I know about this all too well. When I was a starving student, pulling all-nighters and working evenings and weekend to make ends meet, I was constantly sick. Now that I get a proper amount of shut-eye, I haven't been sick in ages.
• You're moody.
• You're not mentally sharp
• You crave junk food. And because you're not at you peak performance, you're more likely to give in to those cravings.
  

So remember folks -- make sleep a priority.

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A deep sleep is something we all crave, but with the demands of our busy lives, it's often maddeningly elusive. But according to this article on Prevention, a good night's sleep can be yours, provided you identify the sleep thieves in your life and address them. What are the sleep thieves, you ask? Here are a few things that might be keeping you from your slumber:

• And over-active mind
• Disrupting your sleep schedule by sleeping in on weekends
• A noisy or restless sleep partner
• Hormones
• Hunger

To find out more about fighting over sleep thieves, click here.

For me, avoiding caffeine and alcohol is essential to a good sleep, and a cup of herbal tea before bed never hurt either. How do you make sure you get the best sleep possible?

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There are few things that feel as good as waking up after a long, deep sleep, feeling refreshed and renewed. In this life, this world, sleep always lags behind in our list of priorities. For me, work and my social life are two things that take away from my slumber, and even though I always (if possible) make time for a solid 8 hours of sleep, sometimes the stress of life keeps me up.

Mark's Daily Apple has a number of suggestions that you can do right now to ensure a decent sleep, including:

• Eat a light dinner. And make sure to eat a few hours before bed or your digestive system might keep you up.
• Have a glass of wine -- but not more than that. Alcohol can help lull you to sleep but if you drink too much, it can backfire and keep you up
• Eat some nuts. The magnesium will help with your slumber
• Write. Jotting down your feelings can help relieve stress
• Do something mindless before bed like watching TV.
  

If all else fails, I find a cup of warm milk sweetened with just a touch of honey helps. How about you?

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I have insomnia. It comes and goes, but when my insomnia is in full-swing sleep is virtually impossible for me. I have my own little routine that seems to help, however. Turning off all the lights relatively early, getting into my comfy clothes, and gradually winding down over a period of hours. Whether you're a long-time insomniac like me or you've just been tossing and turning as of late, this site has good tips for getting your zzz's.

1. Stick to a schedule. Even on the weekends, it's a good idea to go to sleep and wake up at about the same time.
   
2. Create a ritual. Follow a routine that helps you unwind and prepare for sleep.
3. Turn everything off. Turn off lights, radios, TVs, even clocks that may interfere with your rest.
4. Create a safe haven. Create a relaxing environment -- clutter free, calming colors.
   
5. Get comfy. Fluffy pillows, soft blankets, and comfy pjs can help you get a sound night.
6. Watch what -- and when -- you eat. Avoid sugar and other unhealthy food in the evenings and don't eat anything within two hours of going to bed.
7. Get moving. Exercise throughout the day and also 3-4 hours before sleep can help you get more rest.
8. Use your bedroom for sleep (and sex). Your bedroom isn't a second living room. Keep laptops, work, and other items out of your bedroom. Your room should be a place of relaxation -- not another source of stress.
9. Try guided imagery. There are CDs designed to help you relax. (Side note -- this one sounds a bit loopy to me, personally... but to each his own.)
10. Avoid nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine. All three disrupt your sleep and aren't health-promoting (for the most part) anyway. Just one more reason to avoid them.
    
11. Get plenty of daylight. Melatonin and some other hormones are triggered by daylight. Spend time outdoors during the day and keep your bedroom as dark as possible at night to balance hormones and help yourself sleep.
12. Write it down. If you tend to worry and replay the day's events when you're trying to sleep, try writing everything down in a journal before going to bed. Getting it out on paper may help you avoid worrying about it later.

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