Stressed, anxious and with routines shot to pieces from weeks of lockdown – it’s hardly surprising that almost two thirds of us in the UK admit our quality of sleep has plummeted since the pandemic struck. In fact, on average, we’re losing an hour each night.
Sleep Awareness Week, backed by The National Sleep Foundation, runs from 14-20 March. Dr Shahzadi Harper, a GP and health expert at theharperclinic.com, says a decent night’s kip is important for mental wellbeing and reducing anxiety, which in turn will help you to drift off more easily. “It’s essential for a healthy immune system, too,” she adds.
Regular exercise (but not too close to bedtime), eating well, reducing booze and caffeine, and no screen time an hour before bed are the foundations of a good sleep routine. But if these methods aren’t enough for you, here are some other tricks to boost your snoozing powers.
VALERIAN
Valerian helps to boost production of GABA, a calming brain chemical that promotes sleep. It has been shown to help people fall asleep more quickly, reduce restless sleep, increase sleep and improve insomnia.
You can drink it as a relaxing herbal tea before bed. Pukka’s new Night Time Berry Tea contains valerian root and is sold in supermarkets (£3 for 20). Or their Pukka Night Time Capsules (£7.45 for 30 capsules) are sold in Boots, Holland & Barrett, Superdrug and Ocado.
MAGNESIUM
This story is from the February 29, 2021 edition of New UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 29, 2021 edition of New UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'I WAS ABUSED-I KEPT IT SECRET FOR 29 YEARS'
Actor Joe Tracini reveals the childhood trauma he believes sparked his complex mental health issues
'WE'D MARRY EACH OTHER TOMORROW'
Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark head off together to discover the art treasures of Italy - and find out more about themselves along the way
BEAT STRESS TO GET YOUR GLOW
Mental health and conditions such as acne and rosacea are deeply linked, so taking care of your mind could help give you radiant skin
Stabbed to death by her co-worker after innocent act of kindness
Celeste Manno, 23, was murdered by her stalker in her own bed
'I was literally dying inside'
Broadcaster and campaigner Charlie Webster tells new how hard it was to open up and face her childhood trauma
'Finding a lump was a wake-up call'
Love Island's Faye Winter tells new about her terrifying health scare as she sets out on a trek to raise funds for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!
'I think we'd end up having twins again!'
Former TOWIE star Frankie Essex on expanding her family, losing weight and making a TV comeback
Coleen 'fears Wayne will let slip secrets'
As Wayne Rooney prepares to join a football podcast, wife Coleen is worried he may accidentally reveal details about their private life, a source tells new
'Sometimes I don't realise that I'm 84'
Bake Off's Prue Leith on strutting her stuff on the catwalk, feeling young at heart and Paul Hollywood being cheeky
Adele 'loves her new look'
Singer Adele is turning up the Hollywood glamour as she prepares to tie the knot with Rich Paul, a source tells new