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On Pacific Boulevard in Yaletown. Spring of 2019.

Pacific Boulevard runs along the northern edge of False Creek, a central waterway in Vancouver, and serves as a defining boundary for Yaletown. The neighborhood itself is roughly bounded by Nelson, Homer, Drake, and Pacific streets, as noted in the history provided by the Roundhouse Community Centre. Pacific Boulevard is a bustling corridor that connects Yaletown to other parts of downtown Vancouver, sitting between the Granville Street and Cambie Street bridges. It’s a major thoroughfare that offers both practical access and a scenic backdrop with views of False Creek.

Yaletown, including the area around Pacific Boulevard, has a rich history tied to Vancouver’s development. According to the Roundhouse Community Centre, the area was initially shaped by the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1887. By 1900, the city planned a new eight-block warehouse district in what is now recognized as modern Yaletown, with Pacific Boulevard marking its southern edge. Back then, this area was a hub for processing, repackaging, and warehousing goods, thanks to its proximity to the railway and waterfront. It remained largely industrial until the late 20th century.

The transformation of Yaletown—and Pacific Boulevard by extension—began in the late 1970s and 1980s when young urban professionals started moving in, drawn by the affordable and attractive old warehouses. The area’s revitalization kicked into high gear after Expo 86, the world’s fair held in Vancouver, which turned Yaletown into a festival site and sparked widespread redevelopment. Today, Pacific Boulevard is part of a neighborhood known for its mix of art galleries, retail stores, restaurants, and residential towers, as described in the same historical overview.

Pacific Boulevard is home to several notable spots. David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Boulevard, is a 12-acre park located right on Pacific Boulevard. It's a large open space adjacent to Yaletown. It’s a popular spot for events, especially in spring and summer, and offers a place to relax with views of False Creek. The park hosts events like the annual lantern procession and “Labyrinth of Light” around December 21st, organized by the Roundhouse Community Centre. Roundhouse Community Centre is located near Pacific Boulevard. This centre is a hub for community activities and events, reflecting the area’s evolution from industrial to cultural. It’s tied to the history of Yaletown and often organizes events that spill into nearby spaces like David Lam Park. The street is dotted with businesses catering to both locals and visitors. For example, Atlantis Dental Yaletown at 1278 Pacific Boulevard offers dental services with extended hours (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Wednesday). Similarly, P Nails & Spa at 1271 Pacific Boulevard, formerly Posy Fingers & Toes Spa, provides nail and spa services, reflecting the area’s focus on lifestyle and wellness.

Today, Pacific Boulevard in Yaletown is a lively, pedestrian-friendly area that reflects the neighborhood’s “trendy” reputation. It’s a mix of modern high-rises, converted warehouses, and green spaces, with a strong emphasis on urban living. The street itself is a blend of functionality—connecting key parts of downtown—and leisure, with proximity to parks, dining, and cultural spots. It’s a hotspot for both residents and tourists, especially given its location near False Creek, which offers scenic views and access to seawall pathways for walking or cycling.

Pacific Boulevard is easily accessible via public transit, with the Yaletown-Roundhouse SkyTrain station nearby on the Canada Line. It’s also a short walk from downtown Vancouver. The area is active throughout the day, with businesses like Atlantis Dental operating from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the park and seawall drawing crowds for recreation at all hours. As noted, David Lam Park hosts seasonal events, making Pacific Boulevard a focal point for community gatherings, especially in warmer months or during festivals like the winter solstice lantern procession. Pacific Boulevard in Yaletown is a dynamic street that encapsulates the neighborhood’s evolution from an industrial warehouse district to a trendy urban hub. It’s a place where history, modernity, and community intersect, offering a mix of green spaces, cultural activities, and lifestyle amenities.

 

Autoimmune Diseases & Sleep - Annie Rubin | The Autoimmune Dietitian

https://annierubin.com/autoimmune-diseases-sleep/

Sleep is usually a big issue for people with autoimmune disorders. Based on a poll by the Autoimmune Association, 98% of people with autoimmune diseases suffer from fatigue. In fact, sleep is one of the main pillars of healing that I discuss with all of my clients. There’s a strong connection between sleep and inflammation. Today we are talking all about sleep and ways you can use sleep to improve your autoimmune disease.
 
Sleep and Inflammation

Sleep plays a major role in inflammation and autoimmune disease activity. Most people who suffer from flares find that sleep can be a major issue. Additionally, lack of sleep and/or sleep deprivation can actually trigger some autoimmune diseases.

When we live with an autoimmune disease, our biggest goal to improve our quality of life is to reduce or eliminate flares. Flares are usually caused by underlying, chronic inflammation. When inflammation is present, it affects the sleep center in your brain, located in your hypothalamus.

Inflammation can also alter your sleep cycles. Your sleep cycles are an important part of getting restful and regenerative sleep. Each part of the sleep cycle is equally important. Chronic inflammation causes the body to spend less time in both REM sleep and deep sleep. These 2 sleep cycles have important functions to help your body rest and recover:

- Deep Sleep: Deep sleep is the point in the sleep cycle where your body starts to repair and grow. The brain flushes out waste products during this phase of sleep.
- REM Sleep: This phase of sleep is important for memory, learning, and problem-solving. It is also when your body releases endorphins for pain relief and growth hormones.

How to get better sleep?

Sleep is something that most people, unfortunately, take for granted or don’t prioritize. When you live with an autoimmune disease, sleep is incredibly critical. We also need more sleep than the average person – 7 hours just isn’t going to cut it. Getting better sleep is a process and it doesn’t happen overnight. Here are some tips to improve your quality of sleep:

1) Establish a sleep routine

Sleep routines signal your body that sleep is coming. It helps you wind down and prepare yourself and your hormones for sleep. Doing a few (and I mean 1-2 things) repetitive activities every night before bedtime can really help you fall asleep faster and get better quality sleep. These activities do not have to be super complicated either. They might include:

- Wearing blue light-blocking glasses 1-2 hours before bedtime to preserve your melatonin production to help you fall asleep faster.
- Write out a to-do list before going to sleep so you don’t have racing thoughts about what you need to accomplish tomorrow.
- Place all electronics on airplane mode or remove them from your bedroom before going to bed.
- Stop doing work 1-2 hours before bedtime to allow your mind to rest and calm down
- Do a sleep meditation

2) Get on a regular sleep schedule daily

Going to bed and waking up within the same 1-hour window every day (yes, including weekends) helps stabilize your circadian rhythm. Having a synchronized circadian rhythm helps regulate hormones, it gets your body in sync with the light and dark cycle of the Earth and establishes a master clock with which all of your organ systems also connect, making your body work a little more efficiently.

When your circadian rhythm is not synchronized or erratic, it can have a number of consequences, including:

- Throws off your melatonin and cortisol curves making it hard for you to fall asleep and wake up.
- Affects your hormones and metabolism, making it harder for you to lose weight.
- May increase inflammation
- Affects your immune system.

One easy way to stabilize your circadian rhythm is by having a consistent sleep schedule. The other easy thing you can do is after you wake up, get outside as soon as possible (ideally before 10 am) and get direct sunlight on your eyes. This signals to your body that it’s time to be awake and get your day started.

As you can see, sleep and good quality sleep can really help you feel better when you have an autoimmune disease. If you try any of my tips and find that it helps, please contact me and let me know! Additionally, for more information on the connection between autoimmune diseases, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.