[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sleep plays a vital role in our lives. It affects our family life, our health, and our career performance. And yet despite its importance, we so often fail to prioritize quality rest. A large part of that, according to experts, are the shortcomings in our evening routines.

Psychologist and resident sleep expert at Simba, Hope Bastine, reveals her top tips on how to improve your sleep pattern and beat insomnia.

Get a room with a sleep view

According to Hope, every room in our home has a specific purpose. As we walk into it, we begin associating specific activities with the space. So it’s important to create an environment that promotes the desired activity – in this case, sleep and rest.

She says: “Bedroom décor is key to promoting a good night’s rest. Research has found that red is exciting while blue promotes competence. Another study showed that reds and yellows increased anxiety compared to blues and greens. In general, softer, muted colours like grey, pink and purples are neutral and promote tranquillity.”

It’s all in the head

A comfortable bed and the right supporting pillow are by far the most important items to challenge the sleep thief. The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your head in ‘neutral alignment’ – the way you would when standing up with good posture. Meanwhile, the quality and comfort of your bed is the secret to good slumber. A 2009 study in the Chiropractic Medical Journal found that new, medium-firm beds increased sleep quality, reduced back discomfort, and moderated stress-related symptoms that interfered with restful sleep.

Sleep doesn’t like it hot (or stuffy)

The average room temperature is around 20 degrees; however, maintaining a bedroom temperature of 18 degrees or lower will mimic the body’s hibernation state and help maintain a calmer state of mind. Air circulation also moderates the temperature. Having plants in the bedroom provides a good supply of oxygen – this is especially beneficial for breathing problems relating to allergies or asthma. Some well-researched suggestions include Aloe Vera, Lavender, Jasmine, Snake plant, English Ivy.

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Pure PJs

The right bedding and PJs are key to managing optimum temperature and air circulation for good sleep. Hope says: “Choose natural fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, silk, satin because they absorb excess moisture, thus regulating body temperature. The Simba® Hybrid Duvet follows this principle, providing ultimate comfort with a super-soft filling combined with space-inspired fabric technology designed to take the heat.”

See the light

Banish the blue. Modern light sources (particularly fluorescent lights, laptops, and cellphone screens) contain a high level of blue light that disrupts melatonin production and throws off our natural circadian rhythms, keeping us awake when we should be sleeping. Many sleep specialists suggest that this widespread exposure to blue light, long after sunset, is a major contributor to the modern epidemic of insomnia. The American Medical Association, 2012 says “this effect can be minimized by using dim, [warm] lighting in the night-time bedroom environment.”

Make scents of sleep

Inhaling serene scents is a great way to ensure a restful and relaxing night’s sleep. Evidence suggests certain aromas may actually reduce blood pressure and heart rate, creating a calming effect in the body. Adding sedating scents such as lavender or jasmine around your room with either a plant or an aromatherapy device is extremely effective.

Start a sleep ritual

Hope says: “Research shows that simpatias (formulaic rituals), such as sleep rituals, are extremely effective in producing the desired outcome when they are repeated at a specific time and have a certain number stages. A sleep ritual should begin 1-2 hours before bedtime but some practices need to be considered well before then. Stimulants such as caffeine stay prominent in your system for at least 6 hours (if you are sensitive, 12 hours). So plan your last cup of coffee/tea accordingly. Exercise should be completed 2 hours before you plan to go to bed. Cardio is stimulating whereas resistance training and yoga are sleep-promoting. Weight training triggers the release of growth hormone (which heals and repairs) and helps us fall into a deep sleep. Alcohol (in large quantities) is generally best avoided before bed as it disrupts the sleep cycle. Dinner should be finished at least 2 hours before bedtime.

Hope’s Sleep Routine: 

Mind Stage (first 20 mins)

• Signal it’s time to wind down by making use of the “bedtime” mode on your iPhone clock. Switch off technology at least 1 hour before bedtime. No TV. No phones. No screens whatsoever. Make your sleep space sacred. The LED backlight of your devices triggers the beta brainwave state which is anxiety-inducing.  Switch on an amber or pink lowlight to activate the melatonin release. Scented Candles are even better.
• To induce the alpha brainwave state (the relaxed pre-sleep state), find activities that activate right-brain engagement. This is the creative, non-verbal side of your brain. Such activities include: journal writing, playing an instrument, listening to music (classical/chill-out); reading or listening to a book (literature or fiction – nothing logical or analytical) reading poetry, writing poetry, writing a gratitude diary.

Body Stage (second 20 mins)

• Consider a warm bath (not too hot as it can be anxiety-provoking) with Epsom or magnesium salts and aromatherapy oils such as lavender essential oil.
• Massage or moisturize. Touch releases the so-called cuddle hormone oxytocin. The warm and fuzzy feeling this produces has a wonderful stress releasing effect. Sex, particularly that “Big O,” releases oxytocin in bucket loads, which is Mother Nature’s best antidote to insomnia.
• Stretch-it-out with yoga. Boston University researchers discovered the post-yoga lull sees a remarkable 27% increase in GABA saturation after one hour that is unmatched by any medication or supplement. GABA is an amino acid that moderates mood and anxiety levels.

Sense Stage (last 20 mins)

Once you have created your bedroom sanctuary, consciously step over the threshold into it and connect with all the associations that make you feel calm and mentally prepared for sleep. As you slip into your bed, allow your senses to wake up to feelings: smell the aroma, feel the cool crisp sheets, allow your eyes to become adjusted to the dim amber lighting, and most importantly practice the art of letting go – let your body sink into the bed.

Hope Bastine (BSc (Hons), PGCE, HypDip, RYT, MBCT/MBSR Cert, MSc, PhD Researcher) is the resident expert for sleep technology mattress firm Simba.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]