The Power of Sleep
Described by writer Thomas Dekker as ‘the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together,’ there’s nothing quite like sleep to heal our bodies when we’re ill, and calm our minds when we’re overworked and stressed.
If you’re one of those lucky people who always enjoys a good night’s sleep, you’ll know how fantastic it feels to wake feeling restored and energised. After a solid sleep, our body repairs and rejuvenates, you can think clearly and you feel energised. Your complexion is brighter, your eyes sparkle and you feel ready to take on the challenges of the day with ease. Life is so much easier when we’ve slept well and feel rested.
However, if you’re one of the estimated six out of ten sleep-deprived people in the UK who struggle to slumber and are fuelled by caffeine and other stimulants to get through the day, you’ll know how exhausting it can be to go without adequate sleep and the negative effect it can have on your health and mental wellbeing.
For many of us, the combination of our increasingly busy lives where we’re constantly connected by technology and working long hours ensures that we never really switch off, making it harder than ever to fully relax, disconnect and re-charge.
The amount of sleep that people need for optimum health varies from person to person, but experts recommend that as a guide, we should aim to get seven to eight hours of shut eye per night to feel rested and to ensure optimum health and wellbeing.
Read on for the Devonshire Spa’s expert guide to helping you get your beauty sleep…
Start a wind down routine
Aim to prepare for sleep at least an hour before you head to bed. Use this time to write down anything that’s worrying you and make a note of any tasks that need to be completed the next day so they’re off your mind. Answer any urgent emails or messages and switch off your phone (so hard to do but your body will thank you for it later!)
Soak away
Pick up a book and head for a warm relaxing bath. Add a handful of magnesium-packed Epsom Salts which are excellent for relaxing muscles and reducing stress (and cheap to boot). Light a candle and add a few drops of calming lavender oil for an extra treat – the softer lighting and soothing aromas will help to send signals to your brain that it’s time to prepare for sleep. Spa manager Sian Jones recommends Comfort Zone’s Tranquillity Oil, an aromatic, silky oil for the bath and body with nourishing amaranth oil and an exclusive blend of essential oils which favour an immediate sensation of wellbeing alleviating of stress and tension.
Create a calm sleeping environment
Ensure that your bedroom is an oasis of calm by clearing clutter, dimming the lights, keeping the temperature between 16-18 degrees Celsius and removing your smartphone from the bedroom – blue screen lighting from devices interrupts our body’s production of melatonin so our brain still thinks it’s still daytime.
Limit stimulants after 2pm
Switch to de-caffeinated coffee and tea in the afternoon and evening, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and eat a light snack before you hit the sack if you’re peckish. Peanut butter on oatcakes is ideal as peanuts contain niacin which stimulates serotonin which in turn makes you feel sleepy. Alternatively try yoghurt, cheese or drink a glass of milk. Contrary to popular belief, bananas are an ideal sleep-inducer, especially if anxiety is the cause of your sleep problems as they contain muscle-relaxing potassium.
Get moving
Regular exercise is a great way to boost endorphins and help fight stress but avoid strenuous exercise for at least two hours before bed. Stick to yoga, a gentle walk or swimming to avoid feeling overstimulated.
Massage your way to a better sleep
There really is no better way to unwind than with the power of a stress-busting massage and luxury Italian brand Comfort Zone has devised an amazing therapy just for those struggling to sleep. Combining a soothing massage and nourishing facial in one incredible treatment, the Comfort Zone Deep Sleep ritual incorporates Pro-Sleep Tranquillity therapy which induces relaxation with the intense sleep inducing qualities of aromatherapy, music and unique massage techniques to soothe your soul.