And Relax: Five Tips For A Good Nights Sleep
AD: PAID PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHN LEWIS
Oh, for the perfect nights’ sleep. When I was younger, sleep didn’t rank very high on my list of priorities. A good night out until the early hours came in way ahead of an early bedtime, my days were my own and if I felt like sleeping until midday and then waking up and watching Pretty In Pink in bed with six slices of buttered toast and a cup of tea, then that’s what I did. From 2001 when we had our first child, Ella, the concept of sleeping until the sun had risen was a virtual impossibility; five o’clock mornings were commonplace and my BFF was my Nespresso machine which worked even harder than I did. Fast forward 20 years and I now not only go to bed before my children, but THEY are the ones sleeping until midday and scoffing toast. Sigh.
Since our extended lockdown, sleep patterns have change in our house. With two of us working from home, the urge to make the most of the day in order to stick to a routine (and thus make the time go quicker) means that both Joe and I are up early and at our desks raring to go. Like the rest of the country, for the last year our evenings have revolved around eating dinner and watching television. So much so, in fact, that I’m thinking of applying to Mastermind with a specialist subject of Netflix. Bed has become a sanctuary, a place to rejoice in the fact that another day of lockdown has come to a close and the end is one step closer. Lack of train travel for work, no business meetings unless on Zoom and being homebound unless necessary has meant there’s pretty much nowhere to go and therefore there’s more time to relax. Eight hours a night has become standard and hey, I’m not complaining.
But sleep doesn’t come easily all the time, especially if you have a lot on your mind or are feeling anxious or worried. New babies, children and even demanding animals can affect how you spend your non waking hours. March is National Bed Month and John Lewis & Partners are holding a special event where their top buyers will be talking about creating the perfect bedtime routine, from picking the right mattress for you, right through to bedding and beauty products that will help you get the foundations right for a good nights sleep. You can sign up for this free event which is taking place on Monday 15 January by clicking here.
So how to aid your sleep when you’re struggling to keep your head on the pillow? Here are my top five tips for the perfect slumber.
1. GET THE BASICS RIGHT
In order to sleep better, you need to invest in the right mattress for you. Hard, medium, soft; sprung, tufted or memory foam – which to go for? There are plenty out there and it’s worth looking at all the options and speaking to an expert before jumping (or bouncing) on the first one you see. John Lewis have a whole team dedicated to this very purpose and once things are up and running again, you can make an appointment in relevant stores for some free advice and a quick bounce.
2. AVOID LATE NIGHT TREATS
Did you know that the effects of a cup of coffee drunk at midday can stay in your body until bedtime? A glass of wine and a few pieces of chocolate may be the perfect accompaniment to watching Jamie Dornan in The Fall but it won’t do you any favours later on – they contain stimulents that stop you resting. Try and hold back on the snacks for at least an hour before you go to bed to limit any effects. Caffeine free hot drinks such as peppermint and herbal teas are warm and calming to help relax you at the end of the day.
3. CREATE A COSY HAVEN
Linen is the perfect choice for bedding if you’re prone to getting warm – it’s around 30% heavier than cotton yet allows better breathability. Cotton is another excellent choice and will keep you warm throughout the winter by absorbing and retaining your body heat. Add a pretty throw and some tonal cushions to make your bed look pretty and welcoming.
4. PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY
The more you worry about going to sleep, the longer it will take you. In the words of Charlotte Bronte, a ruffled mind makes a restless pillow and it’s tempting to delay the inevitable by doing some last minute scrolling or catching up on your Facebook messages. Try and resist and MOVE AWAY. Put your phone aside and read a magazine or a book for half an hour to relax yourself.
5. PAMPER YOURSELF
And finally, treat yourself. I’m a big fan of doing this in all circumstances, but having a warm bath with some gorgeous beauty products can be extremely therapeutic. Pillow sprays and a scented candle beside the bed can all help to create the perfect relaxing environment and encourage a restful sleep.