Sleep doesn't just help us look our best, but it's vital for maintaining good mental and physical health. A good night's sleep allows the brain to take in new information and strengthen our memories, as well as having a positive impact on our mood, energy level and ability to concentrate. However, if we don't get a good rest every night it can affect your work, cause relationship problems and make it difficult to complete simple tasks. It's crucial to our health that we learn to sleep well and take the time to recoup from our busy lives when the sun goes down. However, if you suffer from interrupted or limited sleep then there are a few measures you can take to ensure you're prepared. I keep a little box on my bedside table of all the things I need to help me off to the land of nod, so I thought I'd share with you my nighttime routine.
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1. Light A Candle
Setting the mood is essential for when you slip beneath the covers. I always have a candle on my bedside table that I light an hour before I want to get into bed, as the delicate scent will fill the air and help to relax my senses. Anything that contains lavender will help you to drift off, but I also find rose extremely comforting. Just avoid citrus or floral notes that will refreshen and awaken your senses - the last thing you want when you're about to get into bed!
2. Soothe The Senses
I've been using drops of Bach's Rescue Night Remedy for a couple of years now, which can be dropped straight onto the tongue about thirty minutes before you want to drift off. It helps to relax you and put your mind into a state that is susceptible to sleep. I've also been trying Aromatherpy Associates new Relaxing Balm, which can be applied to the pulse and pressure points; the delicate balm contains chamomile and sandlewood to help soothe the mind.
3. Hydrate Your Extremities
If my lips feel dry or my hands are tight, it really stops me from drifting off. I always have a little tube of Burt's Bees lipbalm and L'Occitane hand cream for nighttime emergencies, as well as using a little before I get into bed to ensure I don't wake up feeling uncomfortable. Both of these have a very natural scent and texture too, preventing anything too strong from waking you up once you catch a sniff.
4. Block Out Noise
I can't recommend wearing ear plugs enough. If you're a light sleeper, or just going through a period when you can be awoken easily, then ear plugs will help block out any noise that can irritate you. They're also great for when you wake in the middle of the night and find it hard to switch off again; they allow you to focus only on falling asleep, rather than the smallest sound you'd normally ignore. I have 100% better sleep when I wear them!
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What do you keep on your bedside table to ensure you get a great night's sleep?![]()
1. Light A Candle
Setting the mood is essential for when you slip beneath the covers. I always have a candle on my bedside table that I light an hour before I want to get into bed, as the delicate scent will fill the air and help to relax my senses. Anything that contains lavender will help you to drift off, but I also find rose extremely comforting. Just avoid citrus or floral notes that will refreshen and awaken your senses - the last thing you want when you're about to get into bed!
2. Soothe The Senses
I've been using drops of Bach's Rescue Night Remedy for a couple of years now, which can be dropped straight onto the tongue about thirty minutes before you want to drift off. It helps to relax you and put your mind into a state that is susceptible to sleep. I've also been trying Aromatherpy Associates new Relaxing Balm, which can be applied to the pulse and pressure points; the delicate balm contains chamomile and sandlewood to help soothe the mind.
3. Hydrate Your Extremities
If my lips feel dry or my hands are tight, it really stops me from drifting off. I always have a little tube of Burt's Bees lipbalm and L'Occitane hand cream for nighttime emergencies, as well as using a little before I get into bed to ensure I don't wake up feeling uncomfortable. Both of these have a very natural scent and texture too, preventing anything too strong from waking you up once you catch a sniff.
4. Block Out Noise
I can't recommend wearing ear plugs enough. If you're a light sleeper, or just going through a period when you can be awoken easily, then ear plugs will help block out any noise that can irritate you. They're also great for when you wake in the middle of the night and find it hard to switch off again; they allow you to focus only on falling asleep, rather than the smallest sound you'd normally ignore. I have 100% better sleep when I wear them!
What do you keep on your bedside table to ensure you get a great night's sleep?