ANCSLEEP BLOG

We all know exercise is good for our heart, muscles, and mood—but did you know that the way you move your body can dramatically affect how you sleep at night?

From yoga to running to resistance training, different types of exercise influence sleep in unique ways. Some help you fall asleep faster, some improve sleep quality, and others boost the amount of time you spend in deep, restorative sleep. But timing, intensity, and even your personal sleep challenges can determine which workout works best for your rest.

Here’s a breakdown of how different types of exercise impact sleep—and how to use movement to support a better night’s rest.

Fad diets promise quick results—lose weight fast, boost energy, detox your body—but what they often don’t talk about is how these dietary changes affect your sleep. Whether you’re cutting carbs, skipping meals, or sipping celery juice for breakfast, your food choices can either support restful sleep or completely sabotage it.

Let’s break down how some of the most popular fad diets affect your sleep—for better or worse—and what you can do to protect your rest while pursuing health goals.

When it comes to getting better sleep, we often focus on things like avoiding screens, taking melatonin, or investing in a better mattress. But one powerful—and often overlooked—tool in the sleep toolkit is aromatherapy. This ancient practice uses natural plant extracts, or essential oils, to promote health and well-being. And when it comes to sleep, the right scents can have a profound calming effect on both body and mind.

So how exactly does aromatherapy help with sleep, and which scents work best? Let’s dive in.

Tossing. Turning. Staring at the clock. If you’ve ever struggled to fall asleep—or stay asleep—you’re not alone. Millions of people experience insomnia or disrupted sleep, and while prescription medications can help, many prefer a more natural approach.

Enter herbal remedies: time-tested, plant-based solutions that can gently ease you into restful slumber. These herbs have been used for centuries in various cultures to calm the mind, relax the body, and support a healthier sleep cycle—without the grogginess or dependency that can come with sleep aids.

Here’s a guide to the most effective herbal remedies for better sleep—and how to use them safely.

Sleep is supposed to be your body’s time to recover, reset, and recharge. But what if your sleep is quietly damaging your health night after night—without you even knowing it?

That’s the reality for millions of people living with sleep apnea, a common but often undiagnosed sleep disorder that can wreak havoc on your brain, heart, mood, and overall well-being. Often called a "silent danger," sleep apnea can go unnoticed for years, only revealing itself through fatigue, irritability, or more serious health issues down the line.

Let’s explore why sleep apnea is so dangerous—and what you can do if you or someone you love might be living with it.

If you live with fibromyalgia, you already know how challenging it can be to manage widespread pain, fatigue, and disrupted sleep. But what happens when another condition—like Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)—joins the picture? For many people with fibromyalgia, that uncomfortable urge to move their legs at night isn’t just annoying; it’s part of a complex pattern of symptoms that can deeply affect quality of life.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between fibromyalgia and RLS, how to recognize the symptoms, and what you can do to find relief.

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being, yet millions of people unknowingly suffer from a condition that robs them of quality rest every night: sleep apnea. This potentially serious sleep disorder causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to fragmented rest and a host of health issues. Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea can be the first step toward better sleep—and better health.

In a world filled with stress, uncertainty, and constant stimulation, emotional resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks and manage stress effectively—has become more important than ever. While we often associate resilience with personality traits or coping skills, there's one powerful (and often overlooked) tool that plays a foundational role: sleep.

Getting enough high-quality sleep is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your emotional resilience. Let’s dive into how sleep supports your emotional well-being and helps you face life’s challenges with clarity, patience, and strength.

When your head hits the pillow and your eyes close, your brain doesn’t simply “turn off.” In fact, some of its most important and restorative work happens while you sleep—especially during deep sleep. Also known as slow-wave sleep or Stage 3 of non-REM (NREM) sleep, deep sleep is a critical part of the sleep cycle that helps recharge not just your body, but your mind as well.

Have you ever woken up from a vivid dream and wondered, What was that all about? Dreams have fascinated humans for thousands of years, inspiring everything from mythology to modern art. But thanks to neuroscience, we now have a better understanding of what’s happening in the brain when we dream—and it’s more complex and fascinating than you might expect.