By Dennis Thompson
EmpowHer's HealthDay Reporter

SUNDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- The pace of life gets faster and faster, and people try to cram more and more into every minute of the day.

As things get more hectic, sleep tends to get short shrift. It's seen as wasted time, lost forever.

"For healthy people, there's a big temptation to voluntarily restrict sleep, to stay up an hour or two or get up an hour or two earlier," said Dr. Greg Belenky, director of the Sleep and Performance Research Center at Washington State University Spokane.

By Steven Reinberg
EmpowHer's HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, May 15 (HealthDay News) -- An injection of a local anesthetic into the nerves of the neck that regulate temperature could give breast cancer patients long-term relief from hot flashes and sleep deprivation, a new study suggests.

About six weeks ago, I (mostly) weaned myself off of caffeine and I can’t say that I miss it too much. I still feel like I need to have (decaf) coffee in the morning and still have (decaf) tea at night.

The benefits are that I sleep much better, wake up feeling more refreshed, am far less irritable and critical and much less forgetful. I’ll indulge in the occasional coffee at a local coffee house from time to time, but for the most part, am caffeine free.

I’ve read numerous articles and studies that caffeine is both good/ill but overall, am glad I quit.

SUNDAY, April 27 (HealthDay News) -- Many older adults don't get enough sleep, which can increase the risk of serious health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

While sleep patterns do change as people age, disturbed sleep and waking up tired every day aren't a normal part of aging.

Now that I’ve told you about my on-going battle with sleeplessness and insomnia, and the issues I had with taking Ambien, I’d like to talk about some of the things that I have tried, or am currently trying, to help me get a better night’s rest.

I don’t want it to ever seem like I’m only talking about what didn’t work—I also want to follow up as much as possible with solutions to the problems that I’ve experienced.

WEDNESDAY, April 2 (HealthDay News) -- Persistent bouts of insomnia in young adults can increase their risk of developing depression, says a new report.

What are some of your helpful tips and remedies for getting a good night's rest?

Here are a few tips from the Sleep Council:

1. Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule, including weekends.
2. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.
3. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.
4. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow.

Babbett Peterson thought there was nothing less sexy than her husband’s snoring — until he brought home the cure.

The 47-year-old Trabuco Canyon, Calif., woman took one look at the plastic face mask, the long tubing and the whirring motor that ran all night and decided there were worse things than a few snuffles and snorts.

As far as she was concerned, the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine — known as a CPAP — was a threat to her 22-year marriage.

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Do you have any sleep problems that you don't think are as severe as needing "treatment", but would like some relief (or, rather, sleep?!)

Everyone suffers through a couple sleepless nights. Tell us about what you're doing to get the best night's sleep possible.