We’ve regularly discussed how getting enough sleep is a vital part of self-care and maintaining overall health, especially as we age. Deep sleep is a critical component to keeping our minds and bodies functioning efficiently — it reduces stress and helps protect against serious health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. But new research suggests that a lack of proper sleep may cause permanent damage to the brain. 

As we pass through life’s stages, trials, and tribulations, we inevitably encounter circumstances and situations that affect the quality of our sleep. Overall health, age, lifestyle, habits, and other factors all play a part in sleep health and our ability to get a good night’s rest.