When your life gets busy, it’s all too easy to go without sleep. In fact, many Americans only get 6 hours of sleep or less each night. You need ample sleep to help restore your brain and body. Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, and anxiety.
The Quest for Healthy Sleep
During sleep, your brain cycles through five stages: stage 1, 2, 3, 4, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Different things happen during each stage. For example, you have a different pattern of brain waves during each one. Your breathing, heart, and temperature may be slower or faster in some stages. You need all of the stages to get healthy sleep.
What is a Sleep Disorder?
Is it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night? Do you wake up feeling tired or feel very sleepy during the day, even if you have had enough sleep? You might have a sleep disorder. Learn about the most common sleep disorders.
I Don’t Snore!
Snoring is the sound you make when your breathing is blocked while you are asleep. The sound is caused by tissues at the top of your airway that strike each other and vibrate. Snoring is common, especially among older people and people who are overweight. Learn more about the causes of and treatments for snoring.
Medicines for Sleep
Some people may need medicines to help with sleep for a short period of time. But in the long run, making changes in your lifestyle and sleep habits is the best treatment for problems with falling and staying asleep. Learn more about over-the-counter and prescription sleep medicines.
Apricot-Orange Bread
This easy-to-prepare recipe is bursting with apricot and orange flavor.
