Waking up after a restful night’s sleep is one of the most pleasant feelings. But when times are stressful, many of us don’t get enough sleep. Being sleep-deprived increases our risk for a variety of serious health problems. Even in the midst of unsettling circumstances, building healthy bedtime habits can help you fall and stay asleep, so you stay well and ready to face whatever challenges come your way. Before we get into the expert advice on sleeping better, let’s explore why it is so important. Sleep may look passive from the outside. However, inside your body many processes are underway. While you snooze, your brain is organizing and storing new information, damaged cells are repaired and replaced throughout your body, essential hormones are replenished and much more, says John Hopkins Medicine. To be sure your body has the time and resources to manage these processes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting seven to eight hours of sleep every nig