Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder. What makes it particularly insidious is that many people don't even realize they have it. And because there are numerous causes of insomnia, finding the cause and successfully treating it can be difficult.  In this sleep guide, we look at some of the most common causes for insomnia and what you can do to overcome this sleep disorder.  What is Insomnia? Insomnia is difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep. An occasional late night is not considered insomnia.  A clinical diagnosis of chronic insomnia is made if you have serious trouble sleeping for at least three nights a week for a period of three months.  You can also have acute insomnia which lasts...

There’s a lot more than color and style to consider when choosing a pillowcase. The right pillowcase not only looks good on your bed, it also protects your skin and helps you sleep better.  So we’ve written a complete guide to choosing the best pillowcases. We discuss what to look for when shopping for a pillowcase including fabric, size, style, thread count and more.  Why The Right Pillowcase Matters Here’s why it is important to have a good pillowcase.    A good pillowcase wicks away sweat, ensuring your face and head don't get clammy at night. This is especially helpful if you have night sweats or you sleep hot. By wicking away sweat, the pillowcase also ensures a comfortable and hygienic...

Contrary to what single people might assume, couples who sleep together know it’s not always cuddles and snuggles in bed. Sure, there are plenty of fun moments, but sharing a bed has its challenges too.  From loud snoring to blanket hoggers, sleeping together can actually become a source of frustration for many couples. In this post, we explore some of the most common problems for partners sharing a bed and the best solutions you can try.  5 Common Sleep Problems for Couples (With Solutions) Snoring This is a big one and a potential relationship-ender. If one partner is a habitual snorer, it becomes impossible for the other person to get a good night’s sleep.  Without enough sleep, our moods and...

Sleeping hot is not just uncomfortable, it also messes up your sleep quality. Hot sleepers often struggle with insomnia, sleep disruptions and other sleep problems. It’s worse if the heat is accompanied by night sweats.   There are many reasons you could be getting hot at night. Maybe you live in a hot climate, your bed traps a lot of heat or you have menopause-related hot flashes. It can also be a medical issue, so see your doctor if you are not sure what’s making you sleep hot.  But if it’s not a health problem, here are five solutions you can try to sleep cooler.  1. Breathable Bedding Changing your sheets might be all you need to do to sleep cooler....

I am a chronic overpacker. Even an overnight trip will have me lugging a bulky suitcase with me. While packing lots of clothes and travel stuff can give you peace of mind that you are ready for any situation, it’s tedious and inconvenient, not to mention expensive if you have to check your luggage.  The good news is that it’s possible to pack everything you need without overpacking. Here are the top 6 tips for packing light when traveling.  1. Pack a Carry-on If you are planning to pack a large suitcase, then you are going to fill it up even if you don't really need half the stuff you put in there.  So one of the best ways to...

If, like me, you are well experienced in the art of napping, you know there is a fine balance between a quick power nap and a full on snooze.  While a snooze longer than 30 minutes can leave you feeling groggy, a 20-minute power nap feels like you’ve just had a solid eight hours of sleep. It energizes you and gives you an alertness that even coffee can’t match.  So why is a nap so magical? I explain the science behind napping in this article, the benefits of taking a power nap in the middle of your workday and how to nap like a pro.  How A Power Nap Works If the world was perfect and we all slept 7-9...

We all prefer different kinds of bedrooms. I am personally a fan of modern bedroom decor. You probably love a more eclectic or vintage look. But what matters in the end is how friendly your bedroom is for sleep.  There are several characteristics that any good bedroom should have. I like to refer to them as the sleepy rule of four (terrible name, I know). They are quiet, dark, cool and comfortable. If you achieve all four of those, you’ll enjoy longer and deeper sleep.    How To Make Your Bedroom Quieter  You could get used to sleeping near a noisy road, but it will still affect your sleep quality. Studies have shown that noise pollution is related to various health...

Gym membership? Check. Workout routine and diet plan? Check. Protein shake? Check.  Now you are ready to hit the gym and start seeing those gains, right? Well, not quite. There’s one more thing you need for successful muscle growth — sleep and lots of it.  It may seem counterintuitive that you need to snooze to build muscle. But you’ll see very little gains if you do not get adequate sleep. We explain why in this article.  How Muscles Grow - and Why Sleep Is Crucial  When you pump iron at the gym, you are actually damaging your muscle fibers. Don’t worry, this is good. It’s also why you might feel sore after workout, particularly if you are just starting out. ...

Most men experience periods when the last thing on their mind is sex. In some cases, this feeling can last for days. That’s completely normal. But if it continues for weeks and months, or if it frequently comes and goes, you may have a low sex drive.   A low libido is something most men are ashamed to talk about. But it is a serious issue. It can affect your mental health, your relationships and even fertility.  There are several ways you can increase your libido including exercise and nutrition. Today we focus specifically on sleep. You heard that right, you can sleep your way to a higher sex drive.   Does Sleep Increase Sex Drive? What The Research Says It is...

No one likes waking up in a pool of sweat every morning. It is uncomfortable and a nuisance, to say the least. But don’t worry, as night sweats are quite common and affect both men and women.  The causes range from a number of reasons, including hot weather, sleeping in too many clothes or covers, or just eating something too spicy before bedtime.  Various products on the market aid with excessive night sweating. Sweat-proof pillows and clothes can keep your body temperatures from getting too hot, decreasing the amount of sweat you produce.  Effective cooling sheets are available as well. They are airy, breathable, and effectively drain away moisture, allowing you to stay dry while sleeping. It is crucial to...