I'm sure you've heard that getting sleep is important for a healthy lifestyle, and for those who want to lose weight, it carries extra significance. But how so?

Think about it for a minute - I know when I don't get a lot of sleep I eat unhealthy foods, mostly because I'm too tired to cook smarter options. I'll visit the vending machine for a snack or grab some fast food for dinner. I also have a tendency to drink more calories because I'm tempted by caffeine-filled drinks like soda and coffee. All of a sudden my diet is destroyed for the day, and I still feel tired and lethargic. 

If I'm tired and need a quick meal that is still a healthier option, I go for a meal replacement drink - it gives me the nutrients I need to stay healthy and is easy enough to make on even my most tired days. Then I try to get a better night's sleep so I feel better tomorrow.

A good night's sleep can help your metabolism work well. Adequate sleep helps your body run efficiently, and part of that means burning calories more efficiently.

The amount of sleep each person needs varies, but according to the National Sleep Foundation, healthy adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep. I personally try to get eight hours every night and I have found that having a regular routine is the best way for me to achieve that goal. Here is what I try to do:

1. I go to bed within the same one-hour period every night. This is between 10 and 11 p.m.

2. I turn off all digital devices at least a half hour before bed. No TV, cell phone or computer.

3. I avoid eating large snacks or caffeine later at night. I try to drink only water after dinner time.

4. I try to keep my bedroom quiet, cool and dark.

It's important to find a routine and strategies that work best for you. What do you guys do to help get a good night's rest? Any other ideas for helping catch those important Zzzzs?