Instagram/Twitter: @stay_you_boo The trend these days seems to be surviving on as little sleep as is humanly possible. We’re existing in a weird sort of ‘hustle’ culture, where if you’re  not waking up at 5am to workout and tick off half your to do list before breakfast then you’re falling short. But this attitude leaves us failing to acknowledge the importance of sleep. It’s not just a time to rest, it’s important for our mental, physical and overall wellbeing. This episode we’re having a chat about the science of sleep and the acute and chronic health conditions that can be associated with sleep deprivation. It’s a complicated topic so this is a bit of a whistle stop tour! We’re also discussing our own experiences with sleep and how we’ve tried to improve them. The main thing we want you to come out of this with, is the understanding that sleep is essential! And there is so much you can do to help yourself if you are struggling. So go forth and get those ZZZZZs, and as always, stay you boo xoxo Our tips: Avoid caffeine before bed Set up a regular sleep routine Sleep podcasts and meditations (we’ve mentioned our favourites below!) Write down worries or stresses before you go to bed (or id you wake up in the idle of the night) If you are experiencing chronic, severe or out of your norm sleep disorder or, talk to your GP. Therapy and counselling can really help and in some cases medication. Sleep apps/Sleep help Calm Headspace Sleepio, online CBT for sleep  Sleep podcasts Wake up/Wind down by Nial Bresnen Sleepy by Otis Gray Dreamy by Kristen Eddy Deep Sleep Sounds Peaceful Retreat Sleep Acoustic References Sleep disorder overview  Medications that can affect sleep  Sleep: A health imperative (Sleep Research Society) The extraordinary Importance of Sleep Associations of frequent sleep insufficiency with health-related quality of life and health behaviours (Sleep Medicine)