I’m a big fan of sleep. I find the whole “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” thing complete nonsense. Making sure you get enough sleep is essential if you want to feel good, look good and be uber productive.
But here is a good tip for you…wake at the same time every day. A recent study in the Netherlands found that those who slept longer on a weekend had higher cortisol levels (which leads to stress and weight gain) than those who woke up at the same time each day.
So, here are 5 tips to help you sleep smarter…
Make yourself a cup of Valerian Tea. Valerian root is a herb with sedative properties used to ease insomnia and anxiety. I like the Dr Stuarts brand which is around £1.80 in most supermarkets.
Turn off your devices at least an hour before bed! I’m not really one to comment on this as I’m terrible for “just checking my email” or having a scroll through twitter before I go to sleep. A lot of the time though, it’s habit not necessity that sees me reaching for my mobile. But the blue light that our phones and tablets omit will cause sleep problems. Instead, grab a juicy book and settle down with your cup of valerian tea.
Think about your alarm clock. I hate alarm clocks and I’m so grateful that I’m a freelancer who works from home. However, my partner, he has to have an alarm go off, luckily I’m usually awake by then but a bad alarm tone will set the tone for the rest of the day. Think about investing in an alarm that will gently wake you. Or even a Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock with Sunrise Simulation
Don’t hit the snooze button. Instead, pinch the pressure point between your thumb and index finger, this will stop you from falling back asleep.
Add essential oils to your life. I’m REALLY in to my aromatherapy and lavender is a great addition to your life if you have trouble sleeping or you just want to stop your brain from whizzing around.
Do you have a sleep routine? I’d love to hear about it below…
I’m a really bad insomniac, so I honestly find it hard to go to sleep, let alone wake up at the same time each day. I will definitely try some of these tips though, as they’re some I’ve never heard before!
I love sleeping, probably more than most lol! Unfortunately I struggle to stay asleep so I’ll definitely be giving some of your tips a go.
Lydia x
I am rubbish at going to sleep properly and waking up….lol I always check my phone before bed and hit snooze several times….I really need to take some notice of this 🙂
Really good advice. I’m bookmarkng this page 🙂 Fantastic!
Thank you 🙂
Claire
x
Thanks Claire xxxxxxxxxx
Great tips! I’m terrible at switching off my phone and laptop an hour before bed!
I have never heard of valerian tea before, I think I might have to try this. Some useful tips x
I really have trouble falling to sleep. I think I need to start switching off my screens at least an hour before bed!
As an insomnia sufferer I totally love these tips. Valerian Tea will be on my shopping list for sure! Thank you
These are some great tips – I admit I can never turn off my phone and laptop before bed, something I need to work on! x
I have no routine and it bugs me, I can never fall asleep and I can’t wake up either. I like to have a mint or berry tea before bed and attempt to stay away from my laptop and phone but nothing has helped me get a better nights sleep
not sleeping is the worst!! Why don’t you give bedtime yoga a try?
I tried valerian years ago and gosh it gave me such stomach aches! Haha! This is great advice though
did you have too much? you’re supposed to only have one cup every couple of days as I think it can act as a bit of a laxative!
It was just the first time I had tried it so I don’t think so!
Oh pinch the point? Never heard of it! I try tomorrow morning, Ill blame you of I fail haha 😉 kidding
Me and sleep have issues. This is a fantastic post. I will be following some of your tips.
I love my weekend lie ins, not a chance I am giving them up for anyone x
ha i know where you’re coming from, mind you I see to wake earlier on a weekend!
These tips are really useful. I find a cup of hot chocolate or milk and honey can help!
or tumeric in milk! x
These are great tips. I’m having sleepless nights at the moment with my LO and struggling to stay awake so I’ll be trying the pinching advice! X X
This is so interesting! I’m definitely going to have to take some of these tips on board.
Daniella | Freshly Pressed Beauty
Can’t agree with you more re the importance of sleep .. I do most even lavender except the gadget not ! Eeeks