Celebrating World Sleep Day
They say the best things in life are free, and it’s definitely true of a good night’s sleep. There is nothing better than slipping into bed at the end of a long day and settling in for eight hours of replenishing sleep.
But it’s not always that easy, is it?
Sleep is precious and when we don’t sleep well it can leave us feeling sluggish, unmotivated and feeling down.
Friday 22nd March marks World Sleep Day 2022, an awareness day set up by sleep professionals to promote the benefits of a good night’s sleep. According to the World Sleep Society, only having six hours of sleep for 14 nights has the same impact on decreasing our attention as two nights of total sleep deprivation!
Just like diet and exercise, sleep is an essential part of self-care to keep ourselves healthy, both physically and mentally. But with our busy, always-on lives, it can be difficult to unwind properly and get a full eight hours of sleep at night.
According to the NHS, not getting enough sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
So, what can we do to give ourselves the best chance of a restful night of sleep? The key is to invest in your self-care and do everything you can to get a good night of shut eye.
Establish a regular routine
Love a weekend lie-in or a midweek late night bingeing on Netflix box sets? These might be having a negative impact on the quality of your sleep.
Sticking to a regular bedtime and waking up time in the morning can help boost your quality of sleep. Also take time to unwind before bed, too. Try switching screen time before bed to reading a book, listening to a podcast or audiobook, some gentle yoga or taking a bath.
Sleep-friendly surroundings
Your bedroom should be a place for relaxation. Keep noise and light stimulation to a minimum, so turn off that TV in the bedroom, make sure the curtains or blind are keeping the light out effectively, and avoid scrolling on your phone before settling down for bed. Try using an eye mask and comfy earplugs if you’re not able to stop external light and sound from disturbing your sleep.
Also, clean away any clutter that might subconsciously play on your mind, and keep your bedroom temperature at an optimum 18-24°.
Switch to silk for better sleep
Opting for a fabric that promotes good sleep can make a big difference to the quality of your sleep. Silk pillowcases and silk sheets can help regulate your body’s temperature, helping you sleep easier and more comfortably. Silk protein’s amino acids can also promote good sleep by absorbing the body’s sweat, keeping you comfortable while you sleep and helping prevent conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis.
Silk pillowcases, silk eye masks and sheets are naturally hypo-allergenic, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Silk’s sericin also helps prevent and repel mites, germs and moulds, keeping your bed fresh and clean night after night.
“Four in five people even say they’re excited about getting into bed if they have fresh smelling sheets!”
As silk is super smooth against your hair and skin, it won’t snag on your hair like cotton and man-made fabrics, which could all add to a disturbed night’s sleep. And sleeping on silk reduces sleep lines, helping your skin retain its precious natural moisture and glow.
If you’re struggling with your sleep, try some of these sleep tips to boost your chances of a good night of shut-eye.
Sweet dreams
x Jess