Birth Control Pill Timing: Does Consistency Matter?

Question
This is my first time taking the pill.  I was told to take it around the same time everyday.  I take it everyday before I get to bed.  I dont go to sleep at the same time everynight, but I do take it every night.  I heard that it is not the time you take it, but the fact that you take it everyday that makes the difference and the only reason they tell you to take it at the same time everyday is so you get in the habit of taking it.  Is that true?  Second question.  I have started taking my inactive pills after 21 days of the active ones, and have not yet started my period.  Is this normal or does it take a few days to start your period?  Do I still take the active pills when I am on my period once the inactive pills are done?  Thank you for your help.

Answer
First, take your pills within a two hour window everyday. Doing otherwise will lower the effectiveness of the pill
Second, your period will take a while to adjust itself to the pill. Take every pill in this pack, then start a new one, no matter if you are on your period or not. Also, remember that you can still use condoms even though you are on the pill!
Dianna