Tips for Better Sleep

Sleep is always something I've found rather tricky. I'm a self professed Queen of Naps, but when it actually comes to sleeping in my own bed at bedtime, things tend to get rather difficult. I know for sure I'm not alone in it either. In today's busy world where we're constantly surrounded and bombarded by things to do and technology that never sleeps, it can be really difficult to switch off. Recently I've been taking part in a little project with Barker & Stonehouse, looking into the different things you can do to help you get that much needed rest at night time!

I was very kindly sent a box of things to try out one week at a time, to see if they had any affect on my sleeping and to see which ones actually helped. I tried quite a few but there were a couple that really stood out, so I wanted to share them on here! Probably my favourite was a Lavender Pillow Mist. I'm not particularly knowledgeable about essential oils, but I can tell you that there is something magical about Lavender, and even more so when it's spritzed about your bedsheets. It is such a calming, soothing scent, and creating a little routine of dousing my pillowcase before bed really seemed to help. The relaxing scent soon helped me drift off to sleep, and now just the smell of lavender makes me feel a bit drowsy!
My other absolute favourite way to help sleep is through a hot bath. I'm not sure there's anything better! I tried a number of things to help make the perfect bath, and if I had to pick a favourite, it's the Rose Otto Bath Oil. I've heard a lot about the fragrance online but was yet to try it until my first bath, and now I understand what all the fuss was about! It's a delicate yet rich fragrance, a heavy floral scent but blended beautifully into a light oil that turns your bath into a spa in your own bathroom. I also tried out some bath salts which were absolutely amazing for tired muscles, especially if you've been for a work out during the day!

My other tips on helping you find that perfect night sleep are...

* Switch off before bedtime. It is SO difficult to turn off your laptop and phone in the evenings, but the benefits of doing so are amazing. Getting some time away from screens before its time for bed gives your brain an opportunity to shut down and rest, and it will thank you for it! Try something instead like reading a book or a magazine, instead of reaching for your twitter feed!

*Exercise. I know, the 'E' word and I don't get along particularly well either, but I've recently been adding a little bit of jogging into my routine, and it definitely can help. Not only are you a bit more tired than usual after a work out, but it's a great way of calming down and relieving stress that might otherwise keep you awake!

Barker and Stonehouse put together a little report of how myself and some other bloggers got on, which was really interesting to see who found which remedies the most useful! You can check the Barker and Stonehouse sleep guide here to find out more! If you've got any other tips I would absolutely love to hear them, so do leave a comment below!



*Big thanks to Barker & Stonehouse for helping me put this post together!

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