I think everyone has a tolerance level when it comes to sleep.  Some people can handle a full 7 a.m. to midnight schedule and be fine, and some people can only do a 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a nap in the afternoon and a freely-scheduled evening.  Of course, there's a different mix for everyone and no one way is the best way. 

This week I am learning what this level is for myself.  Staying up until at least midnight every night has been necessary due to papers to write, studying to do and work after marching band.  I'm finding however, that I just can't stay up much later than that, get up at 7 and function well the next day.  I need more than five hours of sleep; at least 6 and a half is necessary, and 8 is desired.

Does this make me a nerd?  A social loser?  I don't think so.  My practical side may overcome my fun side fairly often, but I know that I need to take care of myself first, otherwise I can't even begin to do the work God put me on this earth to do.

It's hard to be in a college environment, where friends say that being in college means you don't sleep for four or five years.  They say it means living it up, making the most of every moment, spending time with friends that mean more than grades.

Talk about a guilt trip, right? 

Where do you draw the line?  If you have a test the next day and it's 11:30 when you get off of work, do you go to a friend's dorm to watch a movie with the crew, or do you bail out for the 10th time in a row, citing lack of sleep and need of studying?