ANCSLEEP BLOG

If you’ve ever felt soothed by a comforting hug or a heavy quilt, you already understand the principle behind a weighted blanket. These blankets—typically filled with glass beads or plastic pellets to add extra heft—are designed to provide “deep pressure stimulation,” a gentle, evenly distributed weight that helps calm the nervous system. Once used mainly in clinical and therapeutic settings, weighted blankets have become a popular tool for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being.

Here’s a closer look at the science-backed benefits and practical advantages of using a weighted blanket.

Few things bring as much peace of mind to new parents as knowing their baby is safe and sleeping soundly through the night. Thankfully, today’s technology offers an array of baby monitoring devices designed to help parents keep an eye on their little one’s safety, breathing, and environment—without having to hover constantly. From simple audio monitors to advanced smart systems, here’s a look at the options and how they can support restful nights for both baby and parent.

Many women notice that their sleep patterns shift throughout the month, often in sync with their menstrual cycle. That’s because fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone—two key reproductive hormones—directly affect sleep quality, body temperature, and even circadian rhythm. By understanding how each phase of the cycle influences rest, you can adjust habits and expectations for better sleep.

When people talk about sleep, dopamine isn’t usually the first brain chemical that comes to mind. It’s better known as the neurotransmitter of reward and motivation, fueling drive, pleasure, and focus during the day. But dopamine also has a surprisingly important role in how—and when—we sleep. Understanding this connection helps explain why sometimes we can’t fall asleep, why we feel groggy in the morning, and how brain chemistry balances rest with alertness.

When it comes to sleep, most of us think of melatonin as the key player. But behind the scenes, another brain chemical is just as crucial: serotonin. This powerful neurotransmitter not only helps regulate mood and appetite, but it also plays an essential role in the sleep–wake cycle. Understanding serotonin’s influence on sleep can give us insights into why rest sometimes feels restorative—and why it can be so elusive.

A good night’s sleep is essential for a child’s growth, learning, and emotional well-being. Yet many children experience fragmented sleep, waking multiple times during the night and failing to get restorative rest. Understanding why this happens—and its potential consequences—can help parents and caregivers address the issue effectively.

Sleep is critical for children’s growth, learning, and emotional development. Yet many children do not get the recommended hours of sleep for their age, whether due to busy schedules, anxiety, sleep disorders, or inconsistent routines. Chronic sleep deprivation in childhood can have consequences that extend far beyond feeling tired the next day.

Sleep is essential for a child’s physical growth, emotional regulation, and cognitive development. Yet for many children, anxiety can significantly disrupt this vital process. Understanding the relationship between anxiety and sleep can help parents, caregivers, and educators support children in achieving better rest.

Nightmares and night terrors can be unsettling, whether they happen in childhood or adulthood. While occasional disturbing dreams are normal, frequent or intense episodes may be linked to underlying factors. Understanding what contributes to these sleep disturbances can help reduce their prevalence and improve overall rest.

Sleep is vital for children’s growth, learning, and emotional well-being. But sometimes, kids struggle to get the rest they need—not because of poor bedtime routines, but because of what’s happening inside their bodies. One key player is cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.