Charlotte Bronte was onto something - sleep is so much harder when your mind isn't at ease.
So how can you unruffle your mind for the best chance of a peaceful night's sleep?
Try these College Green top sleep tips:
- Try and maintain a regular routine by going to bed around the same time each evening, and waking at the same time. A routine sends a signal to your brain that it's time to prepare for sleep.
- Cut out caffeinated drinks in the afternoon. Caffeine can stay in your body for hours, so an early afternoon coffee could be what's keeping you awake at bedtime.
- Turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light they emit can reduce levels of a hormone called melatonin, which our bodies need to help us drop into deep, relaxing sleep.
- Dim the lights. If you have a dimmer switch turn it down, or light some candles.
- Sleep in a dark room, or if you can't darken it, try an eye mask.
- Take a warm bath. The rapid drop in temperature when you come out of the bath simulates the natural drop in body heat at night, signalling to your brain that it's time for sleep.
- Try a breathwork exercise. They are easy to do, and help calm your mind by giving it something to concentrate on. Be gentle with yourself - if you find your mind wandering, simply start again with the exercise.
- Learn to love lavender - it's a popular bedtime essential oil for good reason as it has relaxing and restful properties.
If you join the College Green mailing list in July you'll be in with a chance to win a Sleep Easy gift set, filled with gorgeous natural goods designed to give you the best chance of getting a restful deep night's sleep.
The Sleep Easy gift set contains:
I send a monthly email out with the latest College Green news & discounts - sign up at the bottom of the home page on the website.
Good luck!