Did you know that the number one way to reach your nutrition and fitness goals is as simple as getting enough sleep? Most of us will notice that we are much hungrier than usual and craving sweets like crazy when we are sleep deprived. Not to mention, we lack the energy to get up and get moving. For any of you out there who have experienced sudden changes in life (a new baby, a new job, family, stress), you know how much skipping sleep can hurt. Here are a few excellent tips to help you get the sleep you need and deserve. It begins with accepting the fact that life will get crazy at times and letting some of the worry and stress go. If you missed out on an hour of sleep last night, make it a point to get to bed an hour earlier tonight with a good book to relax. At the end of the day, try writing your to-do list of everything that needs to get done the following day. Taking all the stress off of your mind and putting it on paper will clear your head for the night and allow you to relax. Make sure to create a comfortable sleep environment, an incredibly important (but often overlooked!) factor. Invest in a quality bed (shop around to see what feels best for you) soft sheets, along with a dark curtain to keep the morning sun out of your eyes. Remember, the quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity. For more effective tips on learning to improve your sleep, please see your online member handbook.