Sleep is something we all need but I’m sure the majority of us don’t get enough of it. Whether it is children keeping us awake, our partner snoring, not being able to turn off from a stressful day or outside noises, it can be hard to fully switch off for a full nights sleep.
MattressNextDay have carried out a survey and they found that 65% of people listen to music to help them sleep. I can understand this, I think music is a great way to escape during the day and an even better tool to be used at night to relax. When I was pregnant and suffering from the third trimester insomnia and as well as being so uncomfortable in bed, I listened to music. I purchased a CD to listen to that was birth hypnotherapy and each night I would put it on to fall asleep to.
Since Lucas has been here, I have continued to keep music on for both of us during the night, we have listened to a CD of lullabies and his baby monitor has a star show and lullabies
playing on it and I leave this on all night. The relaxing tunes help you switch off and just focus on your breathing and help you drift off to a peaceful sleep.
Other than music, I find that there are things you can do to help you get the sleep you need.
- Go to bed at a regular time each night, it helps your body get into a routine and it makes it easier to drift off
- Create a relaxing environment, ensure the temperature and lighting is how you like it. Have your bedroom as just that, a bedroom. Associate it with sleep, not with playing video games or watching TV.
- Make sure your bed is comfortable, if you are finding it is too hard/soft or old, look at replacing it. Waking up with aches every couple of hours because the mattress isn’t right for you anymore will do you no favours throughout the day
- Do some gentle exercise, a swim, yoga or walk before bed can relieve tension and clear your mind ready for sleep
- Cut down on caffeine, instead of a caffeinated drink, try de-caff versions, malted milk or herbal tea. Camomile tea is fab for easing insomnia, anxiety and menstrual cramps.
- Jot down what you are thinking about. If you are thinking about what you need to do tomorrow or what is worrying you, write it down. Get it off your chest, pop it on paper and put it in the drawer until tomorrow.
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