Sleep is one of the most important factors that regulate our health and well-being.
If you have had the experience of not being able to sleep you will be able to confirm that fact with vehemence.
Basically, regular and uninterrupted sleep is essential for survival.
According to the Australian Sleep Research Project taking anything less than five minutes to fall asleep at night means you are sleep deprived.
The ideal is between 10 - 15 minutes, meaning you are still tired enough to sleep deeply but not so exhausted you feel sleepy by day.
The amount of restful sleep positively affects the immune system, wound healing, attention and concentration, metabolism, physical performance, creativity and learning, just to name a few.
Some things to consider for a good night's rest:

• Temperature: Body temperature and the brain's sleep-wake cycle are closely linked.
  It is important that the bedroom is reasonably cool, somewhere between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius.
  
• Amount of sleep: Opposite to the popular belief of teenagers, they need as much sleep as small children which is about 10 hours.
  People over 65 need about 6 hours and the optimum for the average adult is 8 hours.
  Some studies even suggest that women need up to an hour more sleep.
  
• Going to sleep: The last 10 - 30 minutes before you go to sleep determine the quality of your sleep.
  You want to wind down from your day, turn off the TV, especially if you are watching crime shows and late night (not so pleasant) news.
  Stay away from your computer screen for this time and give yourself some time to read, reflect on the day, talk to your partner, children, parents or friends or play with your pets.
  
• Waking up: The first half an hour will determine the quality of your day.
  Think about the kind of alarm you are currently using and the state in which you wake up.
  Use music or mediation to start your day.
  
• Bedroom: the bedroom is best to be dark and quiet.
  Research has found that exposure to noise at night can suppress the immune function even if the sleeper does not wake.
  

Most of what we currently know about sleep we have learnt in the past 25 years.
In the Victorian era, when the light globe had not yet been invented, people slept 9 to 10 hours and the time of sleep depended on seasons with different times for sunrise and sunset.
Sleep is important, there is no doubt.
In order to feel well rested and energetic the next day, we need to ensure the quality of our resting time.
This will support and maintain good health and help us function at our best.