Between class, work, parties and school activities, many students find it difficult to take the time to re-energize their body and brain with the real food for the soul, sleep.

Failure to get in at least eight hours can result in dizziness, loss of energy and insomnia-all symptoms of sleep deprivation, which is defined as failure to get the necessary amount of sleep.

Skipping hours of sleep might seem harmless, but a 2006 poll from the National Sleep Foundation indicated many young adults suffer from sleep deprivation severe enough to interfere with daytime activities.

According to the foundation, not getting enough sleep or having sleep difficulties can limit your ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems. It can also lead to aggressive or inappropriate behavior, such as yelling at friends or being impatient with teachers or family members.

Acne 1-2-3

The Leaf & Rusher Medical Skincare Clinic in Beverly Hills has developed a new trio of skin-care formulations to treat pesky pimples and full-blown adult acne. The Tx Acne.1.2.3 program includes Acne Foaming Cleanser, Acne Serum Tx and Acne Spot Tx. The line features licorice root extract, which is said to be more effective than benzoyl peroxide in treating blemishes, and an all-in-one algae extract to combat stinging, inflammation and irritation. Soy isoflavons are used to treat the hormones that cause adult acne. The natural ingredients are also formulated to rebuild damaged cells and eliminate discoloration. The suggested retail price is $25 for the foaming cleanser, $38 for the serum, $25 for the spot treatment and $85 for the full kit, which includes the Rapid Resurface product, a gentle alternative to micro-dermabrasion.

Doctor warns on skin infections

Members of the public who observe the tomb sweeping custom to pay homage to the memory of their ancestors should take precautions to guard against skin infections, a dermatologist in Taichung cautioned yesterday.

Chen Chun-yi, who runs a skin clinic, told reporters that the number of patients he and his colleagues have treated in the past few days has increased 30 percent, with most of them suffering from infections as a result of either sunburn or mosquito and other insect bites sustained during their tomb sweeping trips.

According to Chen, these patients have told him that they swept their ancestors' tombs ahead of the April 5 Tomb Sweeping Day because they wanted to avoid the traffic congestion over the long weekend.

Failing to protect themselves against insects and the sun, many of them contracted acute skin infections, developed rashes all over their bodies and suffered from headaches, breathing difficulty, perspiration and localized lymphadenitis.