20:32

More Sleep Please

If sleep were a person it would be nice. Sleep lets you enter a new world and forget about everything in this one for a while. I love to sleep, but my mind has this problem where it won't stop talking to itself. 4am is like friend who knows all my secrets. The problem when you suffer from insomnia or have a mind that apparently exists in a separate time zone to your body is that it's hard not only to drift off to sleep, but to sustain it for a long enough period of time. Sleep vs. thoughts. Rest vs. exhaustion. Years existing in a never ending cycle of minimal sleep have taught me a few tips and tricks about how to optimise those precious hours you do manage to steal, and how to relax your mind before bed time to try and help you switch off a little easier.


001. Atmosphere - Get into bed at least 20 minutes before you actually plan on falling asleep… by this I don't mean get into bed at 10 and then wind down. If you want to go to sleep at 10, get in to bed at 9.40, or earlier if possible, and leave all technology in another room. Light some candles, read a book or jot down your thoughts in a notebook. All of these things will help to clear your mind meaning you will fall asleep much calmer.

002. Fresh Bedding - There are few things in life as satisfying as sinking in to a bed of freshly washed sheets. There's something comforting in the smell and the crisp texture that I absolutely love, and I always seem to get a better nights sleep the night I've changed my bed. Now, I've got into the habit of making sure I change my bed the night before a stressful event such as an exam, and it really does help me to drift off to sleep a little easier.

003. Herbal Tea - Right before bed try drinking a cup of warm herbal tea. Chamomile tea is favoured for it's relaxing properties, however I am personally a huge fan of ginger or cranberry green tea. Not only will the warm drink help you to relax, going to bed hydrated will help to ensure you sleep for longer and are not woken up during the night due to thirst.

004. Practice Yoga Breathing - Recently I've really fallen in love with yoga, it's one of the only activities where I can completely channel all my energy into myself. Yoga helps me to find my calm and relax both my body and mind. If you're not a yoga fan, or can't get to a class late at night, try youtubing some yoga breathing exercises. Even maintaining a steady rhythm of deep breaths will help the whole body to relax, making it much easier for you to drift off to sleep.

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16 comments

  1. Thanks for this! I have so much trouble getting to sleep, I will try! xx

    ratherstrangeblog.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. you're welcome lovely, i hope they work xx

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  2. The thing that helps me the most to fall asleep is reading a book...especially a boring book! Literally just get out an old school textbook and you'll knock yourself right out ;)

    COOCOO FOR COCO

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  3. Loved this post! I've literally just put clean bedding on my bed and can't wait to get in aha :)

    Blushhx

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  4. Great tips. I also found that keeping a pen and paper next to my bed helps, in case I wake up in the middle of the night, thinking about stuff I have to do the next day, I can easily jot it down, clear my mind and try to fall back asleep :)

    Cheryl
    http://daisycandle.com

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  5. I literally just changed my sheets today. I feel like I'm lying on a cloud. I'm a fan of herbal tee too, ginger is my favourite to have first thing. Great post Amy xx

    www.cocotulips.com

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    Replies
    1. i love that 'lying on a cloud' sounds so lovely and peaceful! xx

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  6. Love the feeling of fresh sheets, instant relaxation.

    Tasha xxx sincereblonde.com

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  7. I have been struggling a lot recently and have been staying off electrical items before bed and drinking spiced apple and chamomile tea, it is helping some. I too wish I could shut off thinking at night.
    xxx
    Lyndsey
    http://www.labeau.co.uk

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  8. These are such great tips, thanks!

    Joana X
    www.100thingsilove.com

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