In these often anxious and uncertain times, it’s to be expected that your sleep quality may suffer, but there is plenty you can do to help.
New research has revealed that as a nation, many of us are too stressed to sleep, which is having a detrimental impact on our overall health, given that a healthy amount of sleep is vital to aid rejuvenation, encourage muscle growth, tissue repair and hormone rebalance.
The research, commissioned for Dragonfly Biosciences, makers of DragonflyCBD, revealed that some 40 per cent of people have trouble sleeping when they’re feeling stressed, and this is having a knock-effect.
GP, Dr Gill Jenkins, advised: “A lack of sleep can have a real impact on our health and wellness, including our immune system and general mood. Poor sleep can lead to irritability and exhaustion – long-term, the effects can be bad news and exacerbate health conditions.”
To help the nation hit the pillow restfully, DragonflyCBD has teamed up with pharmacist, Sultan Dajani, to offer some top tips for a decent night’s sleep.
- Switch off: Stay clear of mobile devices 30 minutes before sleep. Turn off your mobile phone, avoid the iPad and don’t watch any late night TV. The mind interprets the blue light of screens as daylight, which triggers your brain to stay functioning.
- Stay in time: Attempt to go to bed and sleep at the same time every night. Set a bedtime of say 10pm and stick to it – let your body and mind get into the rhythm that this is switch off time and eventually it should pay off.
- Cut down on caffeine: Caffeine in coffee and energy drinks can overstimulate your mind and interfere with your body’s ability to fall asleep. So, avoid such drinks in the late afternoon and early evening; instead, switch your late-night coffee for a warm, milky drink or a calming herbal tea.
- Calm your bedroom: Create a calming environment to sleep in. Control the temperature and lighting to induce a sense of calm, perhaps try essential oils, light a candle or dim the lights. Comfy cushions and plush pillows are also a must to get the best out of your bed.
- Don’t stress – that’ll make it worse: We know stress can cause sleep problems, so don’t lay in bed stressing that you can’t sleep. If you are laying wide awake, get up, have a little walk around the house, do a crossword, read a book, use the bathroom and go back to reset the sleep session.
