The science-backed information you need to improve your physical and mental health.

Over the last few years, meditation apps have taken the world by storm. Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer, and others grow more popular by the day. But at a certain point, the short guided meditations you find on these apps can be limiting. Once you've reached a certain point in your practice, you will want to cut loose from apps and go off on your own. Here's how to do it.

A good night's sleep has immediate benefits for your energy and sense of wellbeing the day after. But in the longer term, sleeping well is an important factor in both mental and physical health.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as many as 10% of adults suffer from chronic insomnia. Insomnia is characterized by an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, or to fall into deep sleep. Sleep is crucial for virtually all functions in the body and brain to repair for optimal function. As a result, insomnia causes many undesirable effects. Among them are poor concentration, lower immune function and higher rates of anxiety and depression.

While interruptions can be unwelcome when you are meditating. It could be anything: a phone call, passing traffic, children playing or even your neighbor's dog. So, what do you do to return to your meditation? Here's how you can recover your mindfulness.