Time to test your smarts -- about sleep, sun, food, and alcohol.

Just read the following questions, pick an option and then scroll down to determine if you really know what's best for your health.

• Is it healthier to sleep an extra hour or force yourself out of bed in the morning to exercise?

• Is it healthier to spend 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen or two hours in the sun wearing SPF 30?

• Is it better to have a second glass of wine at dinner or a sinful dessert?

Is it healthier to sleep an extra hour or force yourself out of bed in the morning to exercise?

It's healthier to get out of bed and exercise. Research shows a full eight hours of sleep -- often touted as the necessary amount of slumber -- is not really necessary for optimum health. In fact, those sleeping about seven hours per night enjoy a lower mortality rate than those sleeping eight hours or more.

But exercise is necessary for optimum health. So roll yourself out of bed early, head outdoors for some fresh air and sunlight and in time, you will reset your body clock.

If you are sleep deprived, however, due to a new baby, an illness, or all-nighters, by all means -- sleep. Don't sacrifice sleep for exercise if you are already lacking in this department.

Is it healthier to spend 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen or two hours in the sun wearing SPF 30?

Fifteen minutes of pure sun provides a necessary dose of vitamin D, but it also takes its toll. It's better to ingest vitamin D, says one expert, by drinking juice fortified with calcium or taking a calcium supplement or multivitamin.

So heading into the sun for two hours -- with SPF 30 -- is the smarter choice. But stay tuned for more on the possible negative effects of sunscreen.

Is it better to have a second glass of wine at dinner or a sinful dessert?

Take dessert -- just don't overdo it -- over that glass of wine. Because drinking more than one alcoholic beverage per day is known to increase risk of cancer and other health problems.

Quiz questions and answers were found in the August 2005 issue of Real Simple magazine.