There is nothing more frustrating than sleeping badly and waking up feeling too tired to cope with the day ahead. We have put together some tips to help.
- Rhythm not blues: our top tip is to get into a routine with bedtime. We sleep best if we get into a rhythm of always going to bed and getting up at the same times, even at weekends! Start your ‘wind down’ routine an hour before bedtime to make sure you are relaxed and in the right frame of mind for sleep to arrive naturally.
- Control that climate: if you are not physically comfortable, you are unlikely to be able to sleep properly. Many of us have our bedrooms too hot, which causes restlessness. Britain’s national body for sleep health, the Sleep Council, recommends a cool room temperature of just 16 to 18 degrees C.
- Dress for success: Still on the subject of comfort, choose your nightwear with care! Synthetic fibres can cause you to overheat. Nightwear such as our Classic Cotton range, made from natural fibres, will help you stay cool and comfortable.
- A sense of calm: if your room is too bright or too noisy, your brain will struggle to switch off. Block out streetlights with blackout curtains and reduce noise by fitting double glazing or using ear plugs. Likewise we recommend limiting any screentime half an hour before bed.
- The right time to be tired: exercise is a vital component of getting restful sleep, but it is best to keep vigorous exercise such as cycling and fast walking to the morning. This is because vigorous exercise releases endorphins, which are a stimulant. Keep to relaxing exercise such as tai chi, yoga or pilates later in the day, but stop any exercise at least two hours before bedtime.
A good night’s sleep can help improve your attention span, boost your immune system and even improve the condition of your skin, so it is well worth planning ahead to get the best night’s rest you can.