News
Sleeping Well, No Matter What
In this eventful 2020 many habits have changed. Our sleep quality and quantity has undoubtedly been affected too.
In fact, a sleep specialist described the pandemic as the ‘perfect storm of sleep problems’.
Poor sleep can be caused by any combination of factors, from not actually getting to bed because you’re too busy working at night to being kept awake by a partner snoring. But what about those nights where you’re lying in bed trying your best to sleep and you just can’t switch off?
If you’ve experienced plenty of those nights recently, then you’re certainly not alone, and you may recognise the problem has escalated hand-in-hand with your levels of worry. But there are a few simple things to help us toward a good rest.
First of all, don’t work in bed, it could end up creating an association in your brain between work and the bedroom - a problem, when you’re trying to sleep.
Establish a routine – our whole schedules have been turned upside down, but we know going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time can have a real impact on how you feel.
Consuming alcohol can reduce the time we spend in the important REM stage of sleep, so cut down on drinking.
Do something that unwinds you from the stresses and strains of the day before you get into bed. It might be turning your phone off, meditating or simply focusing on deep breathing and calming thoughts for a short while. Try and work something into your evening schedule, no matter how small.
Reduce the impact of the outside world. Scrolling the news before bedtime is going to result in us carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Leave it outside your door and your mind will feel like it’s whirring a little less when you close your eyes at night.
In fact, a sleep specialist described the pandemic as the ‘perfect storm of sleep problems’.
Poor sleep can be caused by any combination of factors, from not actually getting to bed because you’re too busy working at night to being kept awake by a partner snoring. But what about those nights where you’re lying in bed trying your best to sleep and you just can’t switch off?
If you’ve experienced plenty of those nights recently, then you’re certainly not alone, and you may recognise the problem has escalated hand-in-hand with your levels of worry. But there are a few simple things to help us toward a good rest.
First of all, don’t work in bed, it could end up creating an association in your brain between work and the bedroom - a problem, when you’re trying to sleep.
Establish a routine – our whole schedules have been turned upside down, but we know going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time can have a real impact on how you feel.
Consuming alcohol can reduce the time we spend in the important REM stage of sleep, so cut down on drinking.
Do something that unwinds you from the stresses and strains of the day before you get into bed. It might be turning your phone off, meditating or simply focusing on deep breathing and calming thoughts for a short while. Try and work something into your evening schedule, no matter how small.
Reduce the impact of the outside world. Scrolling the news before bedtime is going to result in us carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Leave it outside your door and your mind will feel like it’s whirring a little less when you close your eyes at night.