So Much to Do, So Little Sleep(And the National Sleep Foundation says t...),Health

The foundation also says insufficient sleep can hinder attentiveness and make it tougher to remember new information.

In fact, performance can be impaired after just four nights of five hours' sleep or less, researchers reported online Feb. 12 in the journal Sleep Medicine.

So now that you know why sleep is so important, here's some advice on how to get a good night's rest.

First, figure out why you're not sleeping well and then take steps to fix the problem, said Joyce Walsleben, associate professor at the New York University Sleep Disorders Center and a spokeswoman for the National Sleep Foundation.

In women, the physical causes of sleep problems are often hormonal, she said. So it's important to take care of the problem -- be it menstrual cramps, hot flashes, or other symptoms.

But psychological forces can also play a role. Worry is a big reason why many women don't sleep well. "Women tend to want to solve problems, and they tend to ruminate," Walsleben said.

To sleep well, you have to turn off the worry, Walsleben said. One worry-buster that she endorses is mindfulness meditation, an easy-to-learn technique. "Breaking that worry habit is important," she said.

Another tool recommended by Walsleben -- writing in a "worry book." Every night, set aside about 15 minutes to jot down your concerns. Use one side of a piece of paper to list everything that worries you. On the other side, write a solution.

Both Arand and Walsleben endorse "sleep hygiene habits." According to the National Sleep Foundation, they should include:

• Exercising regularly. It's best to complete a workout at least a few hours before bedtime, however.
• Finishing eating at
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