These days we are so time poor that even getting enough sleep is a constant challenge.

We all know how important sleep is – without it we are walking zombies, racked with anxiety and cravings with poor mood and low energy to complete the delightful package. We know we need to prioritise it, yet invariably and inevitably in our busy lives it is the one thing that gets squeezed the more we try to fit into our day.

Somewhere along the journey of human evolution sleep has become a game of quality over quantity. It’s the modern day health epidemic that has spiralled into a global problem.

So if we are unable to schedule in the required 7-9 hours of sleep that we know our bodies need, then how can we at least make the most of the time we have in between the sheets?  Here are some of my favourite ways to ensure the little sleep we get is good quality sleep;

Make some time to unwind before bed

This is a really important step, particularly if you are one of those people that turns on the laptop after dinner and works late.  

• Guided relaxation / meditation
• Gentle yoga stretches
• A hot shower or epsom salt (magnesium) bath are just some of the ways to unwind after a busy day.

Practice good sleep hygiene

• First and foremost ensure there are no devices in or near your bedroom
• Switch off the wifi at night (even if it’s at the other end of the house)
• Limit the bedroom to sex and sleep.  If you do want to read at night, try to read the old-fashioned paperbacks or use the blue light filter on your Kindle. Remove altogether from the room before sleep
• If you do need an alarm clock make sure it’s one with blue light (not red).  If you need to use your mobile then ensure it is switched to flight mode
• Make sure the bedroom is cool and dark
• Wear cool, breathable fabrics 

Try a herbal supplement

• Herbal supplements such as valerian, hops, passionflower and magnesium can be really beneficial to break unhealth sleep cycles and help your body to relax for sleep

Tried all this and still not sleeping?  Reach out for a consultation here.