ANCSLEEP BLOG

Sleep is one of the most essential processes for human health, yet many of us struggle to get enough of it. Behind the scenes, the brain relies on a delicate balance of neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that regulate mood, alertness, and rest. One of the most important players in this process is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that serves as the brain’s primary calming signal.

At the heart of GABA’s effect on sleep are GABA receptors, tiny protein structures on nerve cells that respond to GABA and quiet down brain activity. Understanding how these receptors work can shed light on why we sleep, why some of us can’t, and how certain medications and lifestyle factors influence rest.

Sleep is essential for children’s growth, learning, and emotional regulation. Yet for many families, bedtime struggles are common—and sometimes the culprit isn’t sugar or overstimulation from play, but exposure to violent content. From TV shows and movies to video games and even online clips, children are often consuming media that may be far more intense than their developing brains can handle. The effects don’t end when the screen turns off.

When it comes to performance, training and nutrition usually get the spotlight. But there’s another powerful performance enhancer that’s often overlooked: sleep. For athletes and active individuals, quality rest isn’t just about recovery—it’s a cornerstone of endurance, strength, mental focus, and injury prevention.

Here are some practical, science-backed sleep tips designed with active bodies and busy training schedules in mind.

Hormones do far more than regulate reproduction—they also have a profound effect on sleep. Two of the most influential hormones in this relationship are estrogen and progesterone, both of which fluctuate naturally throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. These changes can directly alter how easily you fall asleep, how long you stay asleep, and how rested you feel in the morning.

Welcoming a newborn into the family is joyful and exciting—but it also brings sleepless nights. Many new parents find themselves running on empty, struggling to balance the demands of caring for a baby with their own need for rest. That’s where night doulas come in. Also known as overnight postpartum doulas or night nannies, these trained professionals provide support through the night so parents can get the sleep they desperately need.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders, affecting millions of adults worldwide. Characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, OSA can lead to daytime fatigue, mood changes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic complications if left untreated. While weight is often discussed as a key risk factor for OSA, what many people don’t realize is that fluctuations in weight—not just overall obesity—can also affect the risk and severity of this condition.

A good night’s sleep depends on more than just the right mattress and pillow. Temperature plays a major role in how well you rest. If you’ve ever tossed and turned because you were too hot or shivered under too many blankets, you know how disruptive temperature fluctuations can be. That’s where temperature-controlled beds come in. Designed to keep your sleep environment at just the right level of comfort, these innovative beds are becoming increasingly popular among people who want to optimize their sleep quality.

Menopause is a natural life stage, but it often comes with new challenges that affect physical and emotional well-being. Among the most common concerns are sleep problems. In fact, research shows that women are more likely to develop sleep disorders during the menopausal transition and after menopause. Understanding why this happens can empower you to seek solutions and protect your long-term health.

For many people, especially women during perimenopause and menopause, hot flashes and night sweats become a frustrating barrier to getting quality sleep. While occasional temperature changes at night are normal, hot flashes are more intense, often accompanied by sudden warmth, sweating, and even a rapid heartbeat. When these happen during sleep, they can cause repeated awakenings, leaving you groggy, irritable, and unrested.

Perimenopause—the transitional stage leading up to menopause—can be a confusing and sometimes frustrating time. It usually begins in a woman’s 40s (though it can start earlier) and can last several years before the menstrual cycle fully stops. One of the most common yet overlooked symptoms during this phase is disrupted sleep.