An essential cycle

Stress and poor lifestyle habits—too much alcohol, too many caffeinated beverages or too much screen time right before bed—can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. As a result, the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) is disrupted and your internal biological clock gets out of whack. In the long run, a major disruption can lead to health problems, particularly the development of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. To avoid these risks, it’s best to limit daily alcohol and caffeine consumption (avoid the double espresso less than six hours before going to bed) and try to curb screen time one to two hours before turning in. In fact, melatonin, which promotes sleep, is only secreted when there’s a reduced amount of light. If you’re still finding it hard to fall asleep, you might want to try some essential oils with soothing properties.