Drift to sleep

I remember the days when I would climb into my bed and as soon as my head hit the pillow I would be fast asleep. I wouldn’t wake again until my morning alarm rang, and even then it took me a while. I don’t think I even needed to be all that tired. Not quite sure what happened but it’s definitely no longer the case.

I can lay in bed for what feels like hours. Tossing and turning, the end result being a headache and stress levels so high that sleep is no longer remotely close to the radar.

When the guys at Drift got in touch and asked me to create a post all about sleep I jumped at the chance, because you see – I (kinda) have it figured out. Obviously, I would say that the first step is a comfortable mattress and I’ve heard good things about the Drift ones, you can check them out here. Also, you may notice a cute cuddly toy – this is Drift’s brand rep, so cute!

SO, I have made myself a routine that works. I like to call is the “Triple R” routine and it’s something I would love to share with any fellow troubled sleepers out there. The only thing you have to do? Stick to it.

Read

Oh, books. In this day and age I feel we’ve all slightly forgotten what a book is. It’s much easier to scroll through social media on our phones and watch videos pre-bedtime but that does the opposite of a book. Our phones are a bright light shining in our face full of emotion-bearing tweets, stressful videos and it actually wakes us up, it will put your mind into over-drive. A book on the other hand – calming words and our own ‘head-voice’, which instantly relaxes us and slowly switches off our mind from thinking about day-to-day life. We can escape, and that my friends is the first step to a relaxing sleep.

Some of my most recent reads:

Sane New World – Ruby Wax | Guide For The Frazzled – Ruby Wax

Me Before You – Jojo Moyles | The Girl On The Train – Paula Hawkins

The Fault In Our Stars – John Green | The Notebook – Nicholas Sparks

A Million Little Pieces – James Frey

ROUTINE

Sometimes routine is seen as a negative because let’s face it we would all love to roam around the world with no concept of time… but, yeah, as if. I think routine is actually perfect for getting a good kip. Whilst I do try and stick to a “bed time” I know first hand that this doesn’t always go to plan. However, you can easily create a routine that works for you and allows you to have some much needed down time before settling down for bed time!

For me routine this consists of a warm drink (I actually hate normal tea, but I’m sure there’s lots of you that love it. Chris enjoyed this cuppa when I was done photographing it!) A skincare routine is also a good way to feel ready to hit the pillow and I always feel super refreshed afterwards, it’s like my skin is ready to sleep! If I’m feeling in extra need I have a nice warm bubble bath – perfect for relaxation! Light a candle for an extra dose of relax!

RELAX

Most of the time I go up to my bedroom straight after being on my laptop, my phone, watching tv and I never feel totally relaxed. Whereas, when I turn all of these devices off and sit in the silence of the room for a bit, I feel so much more relaxed and chilled out. It’s amazing what a technology detox can do, even when it’s for a few minutes!

If you don’t like total silence, like myself, it’s good to get a radio. You don’t need any screens (aka, no phone contact) and it’s actually nice to be a little ‘retro’ for a change. Plus, they look kinda good in your home too. However, if that’s a no-go, there’s plenty of relaxing soundtracks and motivational speeches on  good ol’ YouTube!

GOOD NIGHT!