SLEEP WELL.

SLEEP WELL.

I realised the other night, as I got into bed, that I have quite a routine for getting myself a good night’s sleep. From tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years, to products created specifically to getting you those zzz my bedside table is home to them all.

I’m not even a bad sleeper – but there are times when I find it hard for my brain to switch off properly. I know due to the screens I look at all day and constantly thinking about my business and planning jobs and random creative ideas coming into my mind at any point I do find it tricky to rest. Which of course, is the one thing I need most so I can continue to create the work I want.

Before I go into products I think one of the main things is to try and not look at a screen for at least an hour before bed. I know that’s tricky (trust me!) but I often put my phone on airplane when I start doing my skincare as then I won’t be distracted by my phone and all I need to do is put on an alarm.

Also books. I love reading and find I always sleep a lot deeper if I’ve drifted off to sleep with a story in mind, rather than closing off emails a second before I’d like to be asleep. While I’m reading I love to sip on a cup of tea as I find it very comforting and calming. I love peppermint as it’s great for digestion but recently also discovered this Sleep Welle Fortified Calming Tea which is a blend of herbs which all aid deep sleep, as well as helping the body to properly detox and repair during those (hopefully) 8 hours.

One great tip I picked up a few years ago was to take magnesium in the evening to help calm the adrenal glands and make sure they’re not overactive as you sleep. Magnesium is great as it calms the mind and the muscles. Due to this it’s also great for keeping hormonal breakouts at bay!

Scent really affects how I feel and so I have a plethora of bits on my bedside to make sure I’m in my own happy place before my head even hits the pillow. At the moment I’m loving the Cherry Blossom candle from Floraïku and the lavender and chamomile Pillow Spray from Votary to help set the mood. If I’m feeling very stressed or anxious I also love the This Works Stress Check rollerball oil alongside some deep breaths.

Often, a reason I can’t sleep is due to pains and aches in my body. I love using tiger balm for my neck and shoulders, but if I’ve been on my legs all day I use the Biologique Recherche Crème Défatigante which provides and anti-inflammatory response and eases circulation.

In terms of night time skincare – sleeping well is about waking up looking fresh, too! – I always make sure I apply hand cream (my favourite intensive one is L’Occitane shea butter) and lip balm (Clinique Pout Restoring Night Mask) before drifting off, to let them soak in and moisturise throughout the night. Recently I’ve also been using the new Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, which helps fight against the damage blue light from our phones can cause. I also always have a cuticle oil beside my bed, I was once told that using an oil is the best thing you can do for your nails – especially at night when you won’t be washing them every few hours and drying them out again.

But back to the actual sleeping. Since we all know a good night’s sleep is just as important to your health as diet and exercise are, The Nue Co. Sleep Drops have been a real life saver when I’ve been travelling lots and my body can’t figure out what time it is. Using Valerian root, chamomile and passionflower to calm and reduce anxiety, you can add to water or – as I do – pop 6 drops straight into your mouth.

 

Sleep well x