Invest in rest: how to have a better sleep routine

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Our bodies are naturally programmed to rest yet for many of us, a good night’s sleep can seem like a mythical concept. From longer working hours to a worldwide pandemic, it’s no wonder our sleep cycles are struggling to keep up. According to Formulate Health, almost 1 in 5 people in the UK have trouble falling asleep every single night, the impacts of which are seen in both our mental and physical health. But why do we even need sleep? While we sleep, our bodies are hard at work repairing and restoring our cells and systems in order to recover and heal from any damage and stress endured throughout the day. Without adequate time to recover, sleep deprivation can lead to memory issues, mood swings, weight gain, and weakened immunity among other issues. So what can we do to cultivate better sleep? In today’s blog post, we’re sharing some easy ways to invest in rest and create better sleep routines.

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1. Prioritise your comfort

One thing that can majorly impact our ability to fall asleep and stay asleep is how comfortable we are. From room temperature to our choice of clothing and bedding; these factors can either aid or disrupt our sleep throughout the night. Our body temperature naturally drops at night in response to increased melatonin production as we prepare to sleep. This indicates that our bodies naturally sleep better in cooler temperatures. Breathable fabrics such as organic cotton make this cooling process easier making this a great fabric for pyjamas and bedding alike. Check out our top picks to help you sleep in ultimate comfort, below:

ME & MAEVE GRACE | Women’s Organic Spotted Leopard Pyjama Set – £42

THEIR STORY | Duvet Cover Set Fair Trade Organic Boutique Grey Trim – £70 – £123

2. Set the scene

Another way we can prompt our bodies to prepare for sleep is by creating an environment that targets the senses, encouraging better sleep habits. Bright lights can prevent the production of melatonin, disrupting our circadian rhythm and keeping us awake for longer. There are also particular scents that have a calming effect on the body, encouraging us to relax and making us sleepy. Essential oils such as lavender, valerian root, roman chamomile, and cedarwood have sedative effects and can help to reduce anxiety and stress, promoting more restful sleep. Set the scene with some of our top picks below:

Billy Sleeps | Lilac Linen Eye Mask – £30

Ubiety | Cedar, Sage & Ylang Ylang Calming Natural Candle – £25

3. Get to know your sleep supplements

One way we can promote better sleep from the inside is to prep our bodies for optimal function with natural supplements. Ashwagandha is an ancient Ayurvedic herb an adaptogen that is reported to have a number of positive health benefits including improved sleep. Studies have shown that it can help to reduce stress levels and may actually induce sleep due to a compound it contains called triethylene glycol. Magnesium aids in sleep by activating the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for helping the body relax. It also helps to regulate the levels of melatonin – the sleep hormone – within the body. CBD is another supplement that is said to effectively reduce anxiety as well as decreasing cortisol levels in the body which arise as a result of stress. These supplements have calming sedative effects which can be highly beneficial in getting better quality sleep. Upgrade your sleep quality with our top pick below:

Grass & Co | CALM 1000mg CBD Hemp Oil – £72.50

So those are just a few easy ways to invest in rest and improve your night routine for better quality sleep. Check out our Sleep Edit for the full range of products designed to promote restful sleep and relaxation.