In 1925, WWI flying ace Eddie Rickenbacher learned to set the pace; so did James Garner in 1975 and Jay Leno in 1999. They all drove pace cars at the Indianapolis 500.

But when their pace cars pulled off the track (it happens at every car race), all you-know-what broke loose. Kinda like what happens when you get your engine all revved up and forget to stick with a healthier life rhythm.

If you were to get some work, some play, and plenty of sleep, you'd actually accomplish more and live longer. But most Americans eat lunch at their desk and expect to work while on vacation (is that a vacation?). And around 20 percent suffer from an anxiety disorder.

No wonder 4 out of 10 of us get less than seven hours of sleep a night (the recommended minimum), and 30 percent of adults have symptoms of insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that there's an epidemic of sleep deprivation sweeping the U.S.

Want an interesting new way to sleep better and relax more? Research UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience found that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (you learn smart sleep routines - dark rooms, no digital devices, etc.) and tai chi — the graceful, ancient Chinese form of exercise that's known as moving meditation — reduces inflammation on a cellular level and is very effective in the battle against insomnia.

That's a good way to pace yourself.