There is so much to be said for getting a good nights’ sleep. Whether you are an exhausted new parent, an over-worked, over-stressed busy worker or you’re finding yourself at breaking point after simply trying to fit too much into your days, it seems that getting a rejuvenating 8 hours of good quality sleep renders us all able to take on the world.
Exhaustion is the great equalizer. No one can continue to fire on all cylinders long term if they do not rest enough. It really is as simple as that. And with so much on our plates to contend with these days, it seems that the list of things that interfere with our down time perpetually multiplies.
Bad quality sleep can create issues with your memory, physical agility, mood and physical & mental health. It can also reduce your ability to handle stressors and recover from illness and injury. So, what is the key to ensuring you get a restorative nights’ sleep? And not just the once mind you, but night after night, so that you can bring you’re A-game, day in, and day out?
Switch off to switch off
Too often, we are tempted to check our emails last thing at night or have a quick flick through Facebook first thing in the morning. Not only does the blue light in your technological devices wreak havoc on your retinas, but it’ll also make it infinitely harder to clear your mind and call it a night. The same goes for other bedroom appliances – turn off your bedside lamps, television and alarms if possible as these will undoubtedly keep your mind buzzing instead of rebooting. Keep your thermostat running however, as a comfortable ambient temperature can aid the body in reaching a deep sleep state faster.
You are what you eat
Eating nutritious, regular meals throughout the day can help your body to recognize a daily routine, including when it is time to switch off. Try to avoid eating a few hours before bedtime though, as an overworked metabolism and bloating can keep you feeling unsettled and uncomfortable. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they’ll stimulate your brain and disrupt your sleep stages, while foods you are sensitive can send your digestive into a tailspin.
Use it or lose it
Exercise is a great way to keep your body happy and healthy and burn the energy your body has stored throughout the day. Exercise, though often thought to bring on tiredness, can actually increase your energy levels, so it’s best to ensure your workout doesn’t fall too close to you wanting to hit the hay. Relaxing yoga and meditation sessions can bring about a sense of calm and clear-headedness that you’ll welcome when you want to stop your mind from racing over the things you need to do tomorrow.
Princess and the pea
For many, sleeping conditions need to be ‘just right’ to enjoy a full eight hours of good slumber. Investing in great quality linens, pillows and mattresses can make the world of difference when it comes to your body relaxing into the deep stages of your sleep cycle. Ensuring you have adequate spine, neck and head support alongside abundant quilt coverage and density will make your bed look and feel sumptuous and inviting. You’ll be chomping at the bit to dive in, but be warned, you’ll find it oh-so-much harder to climb out in the morning ;)
If you’ve given these tried and tested tips a go and you’re still finding it difficult to switch off and relax at night, perhaps a good old fashioned weekend getaway is just what the doctor ordered? Relax in the comfort and opulence of one of the MW Collection private cottages, where you can sip port fireside, finally catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to get to for too long, and then fall into your luxurious, fluffy queen size bed for a full nights-worth of restful slumber.
