> **Healthylife** — Healthylife Pharmacy | Your online health destination > [Products](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse) · [Health Hub](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn) > > --- # Sleep, why it's important and how to get a good sleep # sleep Sleep. Have you ever wondered why we need it? How much is enough (and what is 'enough' anyway?) And what you can do to get a better night's sleep? Let's find out. ![sleep](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/c0a61872-bff9-471c-b6b7-ecf28e0cdca5/sleep-banner-mobile.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ![sleep](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/3b8bb887-4633-45d9-be83-88850e6b2308/Sleep-banner-desktop.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ## Why do we sleep? Sleep. It’s a pretty important part of our daily routine. In fact, we'll spend about a third of our time doing it. But why do we need sleep anyway? Sleep is a biological process driven by what's happening in our bodies and minds, which is affected by how we live our days and how we live our lives. Dr David Cunnington, Sleep Specialist The exact reason [why we need sleep](https://www.healthylife.com.au/) is still a bit of a mystery, but it's thought to refresh our bodies and minds.  Sleep is also important to a number of brain functions, including how nerve cells communicate with each other.  What we do know, however, is that sleep is on par with food and water when it comes to our wellbeing and that we can't live well without it. ![Woman sleeping on the couch](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/fd80a7d2-a55e-4656-9da1-bf71272d2a16/sleep-why-we-do-it.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ## Why do we lose sleep? If a decent night's sleep is so essential, why does it sometimes feel so elusive? Common culprits that can rob us of our slumber include: - parenthood - shiftwork - illness - sub-optimal [sleep hygiene](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/sleep-hygiene-meaning) - late-night scrolling on the socials ## Sleep better naturally If you’re having trouble getting enough shut-eye, rest assured you are not alone. Around [1 in 3 people experience trouble sleeping](https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/pdfs/Insomnia.pdf "Sleep Foundation: Insomnia fact sheet"). Get a helping hand to capture forty winks with these top [ingredients to sleep better naturally](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/sleep-better-naturally). ## valerian Valeriana officinalis (valerian) Helps reduce the time to fall asleep, supports a refreshing sleep & reduces restless sleep. [ shop valerian ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/search-results?query=valerian§ion=products) ![valerian](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/baff335c-942c-4f5e-9368-4d4ab5225701/val-tile-desktop.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ## magnesium Relieves restless sleep and helps to calm the mind. [ shop magnesium ](https://shop.healthylife.com.au/collections/magnesium) ![magnesium](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/9455fc05-d588-4ac7-90e3-25ab332ba69e/magnesium-desktop-tile.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ## lavender Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) has a long history of traditional use as a sleeping aid, it helps soothe the body and mind. [ shop lavender ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/search-results?query=lavender) ![lavender](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/9623265c-48a4-42f3-8739-9d8f07c12da0/lavendar-desktop-tile.webp?quality=75&auto=format) Next slidePrevious slide ## healthy sleep reads [ sleep well sleep well ![Is poor sleep hygiene affecting your sleep?](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/9adf0834-3ac6-4a36-8003-62dc24c4ed28/sleep-hygiene-v2-thumb.jpg?quality=75&auto=format) ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/sleep-hygiene-meaning) [ ### Is poor sleep hygiene affecting your sleep? ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/sleep-hygiene-meaning) Here’s some expert advice from sleep specialist Dr David Cunnington about the difference between poor sleep hygiene and good sleep hygiene. [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/sleep-hygiene-meaning) [ sleep well sleep well ![Why do we snore (and how can we stop)?](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/ffdee3d3-c918-49c3-995c-5171d64f3477/why-do-we-snore-v2-thumb.jpg?quality=75&auto=format) ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-do-we-snore-and-how-can-we-stop) [ ### Why do we snore (and how can we stop)? ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-do-we-snore-and-how-can-we-stop) Why do we snore? And can we permanently stop? You might ponder these questions if you sleep next to a snorer (especially as you’re elbowing them in the ribs at 2am!) Find out why it happens and what to do about it. [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-do-we-snore-and-how-can-we-stop) [ sleep well sleep well ![How to get better sleep: 10 tips to a good night's rest](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/9684f0ef-3535-436d-abcc-256c170d6fca/better-sleep-v2-thumb.jpg?quality=75&auto=format) ![Dr. Moira Junge](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/89cf6312-1fd0-428f-acd9-a7e20cad98e0/moira-junge.webp?quality=75&auto=format) Dr. Moira Junge ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-sleep-better) [ ### How to get better sleep: 10 tips to a good night's rest ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-sleep-better) Want to know how to sleep better? You’re not alone – we’re all a bit sleep-deprived. A sleep expert shares 5 top tips for a great night's sleep. [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-sleep-better) [ pregnancy, birth & baby pregnancy, birth & baby ![How to get better sleep when pregnant](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/70858f00-fb96-4ad8-84a6-a9d454164d18/sleep-and-pregnancy-thumb.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-get-better-sleep-while-pregnant) [ ### How to get better sleep when pregnant ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-get-better-sleep-while-pregnant) Is a good night’s sleep a distant memory in your world? Pregnancy may do that. Here’s some tips to help you snooze. [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-get-better-sleep-while-pregnant) Next slidePrevious slide ## healthy sleep products Next slidePrevious slide ## did you know? Everyone dreams. In fact, you'll spend about 2 hours each night in a dream state. ![did you know?](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/4aac2f84-a741-49f3-8ac6-37629c0a6c95/sleep-mobile.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ![did you know?](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/4592e823-88b7-472d-acd5-9f5529519102/dyk-desktop-banner.webp?quality=75&auto=format) --- **About Healthylife**: Find everything you need for a healthy life: Shop over 15,000 curated health products, pharmacy, fact-checked health information, telehealth & health programs. **Useful links**: [Customer Support](https://www.healthylife.com.au/contact-us) · [Browse All](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse)