How to get a good nights sleep?

I like sleep. I like my bed. A lot. So, you can imagine my excitment when the end of British Summer Time happens because it means a whole extra hour in bed. Hooray! Don't get me wrong, I'm quite good at getting myself out of bed in a morning; I mean I love mornings because its a another day. Another day filled with opportunities, adventures and new things to try. But when the clock "fall back" happens, it means the mornings feel a lot darker and gloomier, which sometimes makes getting out of bed hard work. For some people its easy; I mean if I get a good solid eight hours sleep the night before, I'm as fresh as a daisy when it comes to the morning, any less than eight hours, let's put it this way I wouldn't cross my path until I've had coffee. A lot of coffee.

However, I feel like the only way to beat these "getting out of bed blues" is to try and get a good nights sleep; so, here are my eight tips on how to get a good nights sleep and to make the most of that extra hour in bed (whilst we can):

1. Getting the right amount of sleep for you. 
Firstly, don't do what everyone else is doing; some people can handle going to bed at 1am and getting up again at 7. Not me. As a rule of thumb, I like to get at least eight hours sleep, it makes me feel refreshed and less groggy in a morning (unless I have a cold, I feel no amount of sleep helps with that). You've got to do what your body wants, at the end of the day if you can't cope with loads of late nights then don't. Do what's best for you! 

2. Being comfy is a priority! 
Nothing beats fresh bed sheets and clean pyjamas. It's fact. But unfortunately you can't wash your bed sheets every night, that's a bit mad to be honest; so I try and make my bed as comfy as possible. Having comfy pillows and warm, snuggly bedding is the way to go; if you're sleeping on something horrible and rough, it might be time for a change!

3. Technology blackout time! 
This is probably my top tip, and I have to admit that I was useless at this. But last week, I waved goodbye to technology and blackouted at a reasonable time and opted for a good book instead. The bright light, be it from your phone, laptop, TV, iPad or whatever doesn't help your brain shut down like it should and I'm sure everyone can give up their phones for at least an hour a day, right?

4. Avoid sugar and think calming drinks. 
Falling asleep on a full stomach is not good. I don't tend to eat past 7pm unless I am out for a meal or something. Avoiding sugary, caffeinated drinks and foods before bed is the best thing, in order to get a good nights sleep. Try a calming drink, some people like herbal teas but me I opt for Ovaltine or warm milk. Bliss.

5. A good book can be the difference between a good and a bad nights sleep.
I tend to read a chapter or two before going to bed, I find it just helps my mind to shut down before bed; helping me to fall asleep a lot quicker. Finding a time to read during the day isn't easy - I'm sure most people will agree with me there - but half an hour or so before bed is perfect to help you get a good nights sleep.

6. A bedtime routine is a must! 
Having a bedtime routine might sound like a childish thing to have but it's not. Going to bed at the same time everyday helps your body to prepare and recover ready for the next day. Once you're in that routine, falling asleep quickly just becomes easy.

7. Make sure your not sleeping in an oven. 
I don't know about anybody else but sleeping in a sauna isn't my idea of fun and it takes me ages to get to sleep. Make sure your room is the perfect temperature for you. Open a window, turn on a fan, open your door, try a lighter duvet - the temperature of room has a lot to do with how good your nights sleep is.

8. Try an eye mask. 
It doesn't work for everyone but using an eye mask can help to eliminate any lights that might keep you awake at night - eye masks are really good for light sleepers or anyone who happens to get disturbed by the smallest bit of light.

Until tomorrow after my eight hours of sleep, good night and Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo