When I read that babies whose mothers smoked in the study had a reduction in sleep time of about 37 percent, I wasn't shocked out of my seat. Not in the least.

Men are indeed more likely to sleep better than women in the same bed. And here's the kicker: they also are more likely to be snoozing soundly because of your nearby warmth.

If you can squeak by on six or seven, but know you need more, that's when you should feel guilty. Don't worry about what other people will think.

For the vast majority of parents who are over-worked and over-stressed, I'd venture a lot could be achieved if you just help them develop good sleep practices and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

Here's a friendly reminder: human growth hormone -- a key ingredient we all need -- gets released naturally by the body during sleep.

You can't call yourself a health nut if you skimp on sleep. Evicting precious sleepy time just might come back to bite you in your blood.