I really wasn't sure how I was going to write this review, I desperately wanted to test the products as I've not been sleeping. You may have read from the other reviews that my darling dad was taken ill 10 days ago. Sadly he passed away Thursday 4th November and I am devastated. Every journey is personal and I've found that my tears come and go during the day however, they are always there at night. It's the time when I stop rushing around and I just can't sleep, when I wake up the first thing I do is think of my dad. I'm surviving on chocolate and caffeine, which obviously makes it a lot worse.
Anyway, when I had my weekly page in the press I wrote a feature on 'How to get a good night's sleep'. Here's some snippets if you are suffering as there is much that you can do to help, and many of these tips I did take away and have used myself.
- Make sure your bedroom is just for sleeping. Remove tv's, any blue light, LED clocks and computers. Try and put your phone to sleep mode at least 2 hours before, this will turn off the blue light on the phone.
- Get the best quality mattress you can afford. We spend a huge proportion of our life sleeping so it makes sense to invest in one that gives you most comfort.
- Make sure your room is not too hot or cold. An ideal temperature is 16-18 degrees centigrade.
- If, like me, you suffer with restless legs try a magnesium salt bath before bed. Magnesium is known to aid restless legs. Another good investment is a weighted blanket, the heaviness is ideal for those who have autism and for those who suffer with restless legs and cramp.
- Nicotine is a stimulant - if you can't give it up, then try not to smoke near bedtime.
- Make sure your room is free from clutter, invest in some relaxing candles but don't fall asleep burning them!
- If you have a lot on your mind, keep a notebook by the side of your bed. Sometimes writing down your thoughts and 'putting them away' can help you get some shut eye.
- Exercise is vital for a good night's sleep. However, try not to exert yourself before bed. Keep active during the day and try yoga or a gentle walk before it gets dark.
- As with exercise, nutrition plays a huge part in getting a good nights sleep. Avoid high fat foods, caffeine, protein shakes and supplements (many contain caffeine) and alcohol.
- Contrary to what we've been told, dairy products can help sleep as cheese, milk and yoghurt help the brain to use tryptophan to produce more melatonin.
- Fish such as tuna, salmon and halibut contain vitamin B6, which is vital in production of serotonin and melatonin, both of which are needed for optimum sleep.
There are several products on the market that can help with sleep such as:-
Feather & Down Sweet Dreams Pillow Spray 200ml & Eye Mask Duo £12 exclusive to Boots
This beautifully presented set comes in a 'Christmas cracker' box, making it an ideal stocking filler or present for the tree (no need to wrap)! Containing a Pillow Spray 200ml and a deep, blue, satin eye mask, it's the perfect duo for a good night's sleep. Lavender has long been known to aid in deep restful sleep, and one spritz of this on your pillow is enough to scent the sheets without being over-whelming. The spray also contains relaxing chamomile, again known for it's restful qualities. The mask is cooling and instantly de-stresses and is the perfect accompaniment for travelling. Whilst not marketed for, the spray can also be used to help anxiety, simply spritz onto a cotton cloth and take a few deep breaths, ideal before exams, driving test and anywhere where you feel stressed.
Feather & Down Sweet Dreams Ultimate Sleep Set £15 www.feather&down.com and www.creightons.com
This wonderful set also contains all you need for a perfect night's sleep. It's a calming ritual in a box and contains Sweet Dreams Soap Bar 150g, Pillow Spray 100ml, Body Lotion 100ml and Melting Shower Cream 75ml. Starting with the Melting Shower Cream, massage into the skin under a warm shower and take a few deep breaths, as this will instantly release shoulder and neck tension. Follow with a massage of the Body Lotion paying attention to the feet to relax and nourish tired tootsies. The gift set is ideal for nurses, teachers, new mums, mums to be, tired dads just about anyone! The soap contains Brassica Napus Seed Oil, commonly known as Rapeseed oil that is an ideal emollient for dry skin. It also contains Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, an oil that contains vitamin E and omega oils so ideal for nourishing dry skin.
The brand has amazing reviews and I agree with the 83% who said it gave a better night sleep. Whilst I desperately need these sets, there is someone who needs it more and that's my darling mother.
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