There are lots of things that rob you of your sleep.  From time to time, it happens to everyone.  But when your sleep gets shortchanged night after night, you could put your health at risk.

The alarm goes off and it's a bit like a starting gun.

Maybe it's the kids, the job, the responsibilities, or a mix of all of the above: the bottom line is your day is busy.

So what gives?  Usually your sleep.

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"Over time there can be health consequences to that," said Dr. Daniel Root with Oregon Sleep Associates.  He says sleep deprivation takes its toll in the short and long term.

"If you do that over the long haul you're probably going to find that your performance level is less than you like.  You'll be tired, more likely to mood swings, depression, and anxiety."

And above and beyond that, health problems from a chronic lack of sleep can shorten your life.  One study showed an increase in your risk for diabetes.

"[Another study] showed that nurses who sleep for less than 7 hours a night on a regular basis have twice that chance of having a cardiac event-- heart attack, arrhythmia or something like that than those who sleep for 8 hours a night," said Dr. Root.

So, what's going on in our bodies which makes sleep so important?

"We think that the underlying theme is all about adrenaline.  Sleep is a time when you're body is in a low adrenaline state."

Get too little and that extra adrenaline can affect everything from your blood sugar to your blood vessels.

The solution is so simple-- get more sleep!!

"The body was designed, made, however you look at it-- evolved-- to need 8 hours of sleep on average," said Dr. Root.

To fall asleep faster, some experts suggest a warm shower before bed, and exercising in the morning.  You also need to make the tough call.  Something has to give so you can get to bed on time.

Think of making sleep a priority; a deposit in your bank of longevity.

Stephanie dug up an interesting article on sleep including the number one reason women develop insomnia.  Any guesses?  Head to her health blog for more.