A majority of Americans are sleeping far less than we need to be healthy and functional.  Nearly 30 percent of Americans are sleeping less than six hours of sleep a night, far less than the recommended nine hours of sleep, apparently 50-70 million people aresuffering from sleeping disorders or constant sleep loss.  So if you think you're not getting enough sleep, you're probably not.  And there's a test, if you need a cup of coffee to feel alert, then there's a problem and you're not getting enough sleep.  The worst part is many of us are exhausted and many of us don't know it, we think this is just how life is. 
So most sleep experts suggest making sleeping rules.  Keep your bedtime and wake on a consistent schedule.  Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.  Exercise daily, preferably six hours before going to bed.  Avoid eating a large meal in the late evening, and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.  Build in 15 minutes of "quiet time" in your day to eliminate racing thoughts.

I try to get at least seven every night, but it seems to be less and less these days. One night I had an assignment due and I put it off and the night before it was due I stayed up throughout the whole night. I have never been so tired in my life! Last time I will ever do that!!!

I'm the type of person that needs a cup of coffe or tea, even soda to fully wake up.  Other than that, even when I get a full night's sleep, I'm still half awake.  I might be a little caffeine addicted I guess.  A lot of people use the excuse that they're so busy and they don't have enough hours in the day to get 8 hours of sleep every single day.  I'm one of those lol.  I guess I have to be strict with myself and set a better sleep schedule. 

I really can't stand being tired.  I'm not myself at all, and I'm no fun to be around.  Apparently 1 in 1,000 people have narcolepsy, and of those people, only 5% are aware of it.  And it takes generally about 15 years for someone to be diagnosed.  And what's sad is that a lot of people with sleeping disorders, there are over 40, will resort to drug use, such as amphetamines to be able to function. 

I need 10 hours of sleep a night to be good. Otherwise I start getting really bad pains, like leg pains and headaches and I stay yawning all day and all I think about is how bad I really need to sleep which makes me even more tired. But 10 hours is a lot and I have to wake up early for work, I dont have time to sleep early either. :(