Can't sleep? The answer may be all around you.

Sleep deprivation can be a symptom of numerous health issues, but it's important to remember that the causes of our sleep disruptions aren't always internal.

According to Dr. Carol Ash, the following external factors can affect our sleeping patterns:

• Room temperature
• Jet lag
• Variations in schedule
• Snoring

 Watch Dr. Ash's Weather Channel appearance to learn more about the effects our environment can have on our sleep habits.

'Slumber Smoothie' Recipe

Multiple food options that can help with sleep. Foods rich in calcium and magnesium, serotonin, zinc, tryptophan and antioxidants are just a few that have been suggested as great choices. 

I have become a fan of the "NutriBullet" for creating the following "Slumber Smoothies:"

1 cup of vanilla almond milk
1 tsp of honey
1 cup of spinach or apricots.

Blend it all up and enjoy!

(You can use warmed almond milk for extra effect. You can also substitute soy milk, which can add tryptophan.)

-- Dr. Carol Ash