Consumer Health: 6 steps to better sleep

Getting at least seven hours of quality rest each night is essential for optimal health. Sleep provides the foundation for all of your daily habits and decisions. Sleep deprivation can significantly affect your mind and body. In addition to perpetuating serious health conditions, lack of sleep can negatively affect your mood and temperament, as well as your ability to focus on daily tasks.

There are many things that can interfere with a good night's sleep, though. Work stress, family responsibilities and unexpected challenges, such as illnesses, can cause you to toss and turn.

While you might not be able to control the factors that interfere with your sleep, you can adopt habits that encourage better sleep. Start with these six simple tips.