Getting some zzz's, hitting the pillow, slumber-time, catnap, snoozing; no matter how we define it sleep is essential and yet can be elusive for some. Stress and worries, shift work, being a parent and aging all effect our ability to get a good night's rest.  

Sleep is restorative, giving us time for mind and body to recover from the day's activity. During the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, our brain sorts the important information from the unimportant and files long-term memory. If this stage of sleep cycle is shortchanged, our ability to focus will be affected, and we can become irritable and moody.  

 

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Sleep influences what we eat. Have you noticed that when tired you tend to reach for higher carb foods like breads, donuts, or pizza? This is because our hormones are regulated during sleep, and when we are deprived of sleep the hunger hormones don't work properly, increasing feelings of being hungry and the desire for those “comfort foods.”  

There is lots of information available about how to get a good night’s sleep, read on to review the basics. Remember, it is common to experience some sleep challenges from time-to-time but having trouble sleeping can be a symptom of other health issues. If you have concerns, contact a medical professional for advice.