FALL ASLEEP FAST!

Struggling to nod off even when you feel exhausted? Here are six simple tricks to help

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We know that we should get between seven and nine hours of  sleep per night, but the recent cost of living crisis has made that trickier than ever. Half the nation isn’t getting enough sleep, with a quarter getting five or fewer hours a night, according to a recent national sleep survey*. And while staying up too late watching TV or films is the cause for 19% of people, feeling stressed about finances (17%) and worrying about work (15%) are also often to blame.

If you’re lying in bed wide awake, mulling over your bank balance into the early hours on a regular basis, counting sheep just won’t cut it. Try these expert-approved, natural techniques, which could have you drifting off in no time.

1 THE SOOTHING SOUNDSCAPE 

Instead of listening to relaxing music, try some ASMR sounds instead. 'ASMR stands for an autonomous sensory meridian response, which is a tingling sensation that originates from the back of the head and down the spine,' explains life coach Kevin Scheepers. 'It's a relaxing, almost addictive sensation that can be triggered by listening to particular sounds or watching certain actions - it increases comfort and can help induce deep sleep.' Download an app such as ASMR Brain Tingles (free, Apple & Android).

2 THE CALMING BRAIN SCAN 

Lying in bed unable to sleep? Try following this technique by Neil Shah from The Stress Management Society...