The December 23, 2007 issue of Parade reported that up to 70 million Americans are sleep deprived, negatively impacting their health and perhaps decreasing their life spans. Also, the January 31, 2008 edition of the Health-Day Reporter revealed that sleep deprivation is one of the worst health-care crises in America, even contributing to an increased incidence of Type 2 diabetes among many American workers.

The simple message is: If you expect to serve your students, you'd better get some sleep. Follow as many of these simple steps as you're comfortable with to help ensure you get sufficient rest:

• Maintain a climate-controlled, pleasingly dark, quiet, comfortable bedroom.

• Cut back on the alcohol. Excessive alcohol can easily disrupt sleep patterns.

• Decrease caffeine, which can stay in your body for nearly twenty-four hours.

• Enjoy some quiet, soothing music before bedtime.

• Meditate quietly, and empty your mind of worrisome problems before bedtime.

Get a good night's sleep and you'll be ready to tackle each instructional day refreshed, recharged, revitalized, and ready for the exciting daily challenges of being a classroom teacher.