Nodding off: the science of sleep from cradle to grave

Getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis is essential to living a happy and healthy life, but why is it harder for some of us than others?

How do our sleeping patterns change throughout our lives, and what are the long-term effects for bad sleepers?

These are the types of questions that jump into every person's head while they toss and turn, unable to 'drop off'.

Sleep is important to the way we learn, remember and forget, to how we feel about family and partners, as well as to our wellbeing and our mental and physical health.

In fact, it is essential for life itself.