Picture it: Over a montage of mishaps, a frazzled mom shares her heart’s desire. “I’m going to be the perfect mom. Just like in the movies.”

We see her, disheveled, and worn-out, accidentally sucking “Herman” the hamster into the vacuum. Contritely tugging her daughter’s favorite stuffed bunny, horribly mangled, from the dryer.

We chuckle when, with a car full of birthday balloons, she contemplates a “how to mommy” blog. Then promptly throws the car into drive instead of reverse, ramming right into a concrete light pole.

The latest Allstate Insurance commercial is funny because we can all relate. We want to pack so much into our days. We want the people in our lives to value us and admire us.

We try to do it all. But we have to make time to fit it all in. So what gets edged out? Enough Sleep.

The commercial mom dutifully creates the life she imagines for her daughter, she’s just too tired and distracted to execute any of it well. When she finally rams her SUV into the parking lot light pole, earning her Allstate’s “accident forgiveness,” she gets out of the car, exhausted and bedraggled, for a full-out meltdown.

We’ve heard it time and time again. Getting enough sleep matters.

Why is sleep such a big deal?

• Eight hours of sleep is best for the average adult.

• Concentration is directly linked to sleep.

• Lack of enough sleep can destabilize your mood and contribute to irritability.

• People who are sleep deprived tend to crave sugary, carb-rich foods.

• Attempts to “make up” lost sleep rarely succeed. Oversleeping just leads to grogginess.

So. What’s the right way to go about this?

Something as simple as a bedtime routine could change your life. A key part of getting the best sleep possible is to recognize the importance of winding down. To do this well, try the following strategies:

1. Create an optimal sleep environment. To sleep well so that you can get enough sleep, teach yourself to see your bed as a place for sleep, not distracting texts, paperwork, web-surfing, TV, etc..

When it’s time for sleep, incorporate the following:

• a dark, slightly cool room (about 68 degrees)

• a comfortable, supportive mattress

• exposure to natural light, to create a proper sleep-wake cycle

2. Physically: Practice good “sleep hygiene.” According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep hygiene is the set of practices “necessary to have normal, quality nighttime sleep and full daytime alertness.” Consider the following:

• Avoid napping earlier in the day to keep sleep cycles regulated.

• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or food right before bedtime.

• Refrain from stimulating exercise. Yoga is better than a run on the treadmill.

• Sex before (not during!) bedtime helps some people sleep soundly.

3. Mentally: Leave your worries outside the bedroom door. Dial down racing thoughts and let your thoughts drift away. Here are a few ways to put your mind at ease:

• Avoid engaging in disturbing or confrontational discussions before bed.

• Write down worries in a journal and put TO-DOs in a planner or on a calendar.

• Try mental relaxation exercises like counting backwards.

Remember that commercial with the frazzled mom? The insurance company titled it an “Off Day” and encouraged us to put ourselves in their good hands. Instead, take your health and well being in your own hands.Turn off the light. Get some sleep.