The science of SLEER

Sleep is so important, but isn't always easy to get. Sleep scientist Dr Dale Rae provides some expert insight and advice on how to set up your space for optimal snoozing.

- BY CHRISTI NORTIER

Every person has their own "sleep story" - what they think it means to have a good night's sleep and which factors impact their night, explains sleep scientist Dr Dale Rae, the director of sleep consultancy Sleep Science. What fascinates her is that this impacts the lives of every person on the planet - and scientific research can make a difference to everyone's quality of rest. We asked her about how our bedrooms - and the rest of our homes - impact our sense of comfort and quality of sleep.

WHERE IS THE BEST AND WORST PLACE YOU'VE HAD TO FALL ASLEEP?

My best place is a tiny home we have in the mountains near Hermanus, nothing very fancy.

It's away from everything and is our family's happy place: there is very little technology, the nights are dark and quiet, and the stars are amazing. You're able to just disconnect. My worst place is an airport or aeroplane. I can't sleep sitting up. If you want to make me grumpy, tell me to sleep there!

WHICH BEDROOM BASICS IMPACT SLEEP THE MOST?