This has been an exhausting year – with sleepless nights caused by medical conditions, or just an overactive brain…

As we’re getting towards the end of the year, it may feel like your body is trying to tell (or beg) you to slow down, take it easy and recharge your batteries.

Some people could win a gold medal for falling asleep, but for others it is a real struggle. Throughout the year, we published a number of pieces about the Sandman and his efforts to get you to Dreamland. Here are our top 10:

1. How much sleep do you really need?

Don’t skimp on your sleep; it could cost you your health.

2. How your brain knows it’s time to sleep

What time does your brain think it is? Insomnia or daytime sleepiness are about more than just how much sleep you’re getting.

3. 9 ways to survive the day on minimal sleep

A lousy night doesn’t have to leave you wrecked. Here’s how to take charge when you haven’t had a recharge.

4. These 5 tricks will help you get better quality sleep every night

Why trying to fall asleep doesn’t work – and what does.

5. 5 things that happen to your body when you don’t get enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep every night can have a negative effect on your body.

6. SEE: Something under your pillow is killing you silently

There might be an unexpected danger lurking underneath your pillow…

7. Here’s why you want to take a nap after lunch

Do you want to lie down after lunch, even if it’s just for 10 minutes? We look at how our circadian rhythms influence our desire to sleep.

8. How to choose the right mattress for your back

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. It is therefore important that we sleep on a bed that provides us with sufficient comfort and support.

9. 5 ways your mattress can ruin your health

Apart from determining the difference between decent shut-eye and terrible sleep, your mattress can cause a slew of health problems if you don’t take proper care of it.

10. How much are teens really sleeping?

The more time students reported spending online, the less sleep they got, according to a recent study.

For more stories about sleep, click here.

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