Difficulty sleeping?
I was told many years ago that we should use the seasons to guide our sleep patterns. It makes so much sense if you think about it, because we all know how much easier it is to get up in spring/summer and how difficult it is in autumn/winter. I have always been a good sleeper and realised it's because I have naturally been following the seasons without even knowing it.
Can you go to bed at 8pm? In summer, probably not, but in winter I bet you could, but we can feel guilty and that it's much too early so stay up watching tv until it seems 'the right time to go up'
I challenge you to try and change things for the next few months. It's colder, so we naturally want to curl up and be cosy and there is no better place to do that than ..... in bed. Go on, try it. If you find it hard to fall asleep I would recommend trying some, or all of the ideas below. Don't try them all at once or you won't know what has worked for you.
Have a warm bubble bath with your favourite bubbles and maybe add some essential oils. I love Neom Organics and you can find them online or sometimes, if you're lucky, in TK Maxx. I personally love Lavender but it's not for everyone. Have a look on their website, using this link https://www.neomorganics.com/blogs/wellbeing/7-essential-oils-to-help-you-nail-that-sleep?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiNSLBhCPARIsAKNS4_ffVTJ5Er9xhL2p72-OLUVlXiHLeYI3lUlpqZVXeYSPP6B7XZqBG_saApi2EALw_wcB and choose what most appeals. You can use them in a diffuser also, if you have sensitive skin.
This Works do a great pillow spray, but again if you have sensitive skin this may not be for you. You could use this as well as the oils in your bath, for that real full on scent-sation. https://www.thisworks.com/products/deep-sleep-pillow-spray-75ml You can find these in TK Maxx too so keep your eyes peeled for deals on Amazon, Boots, Feelunique and Lookfantastic.
Wear bed socks - honestly, it works. Make sure they are soft and light to wear as the cuffs on socks can leave marks on your ankles if worn for a long time. There is nothing worse than cold feet and that can wake you up if you're not careful. I love cashmere socks and The White Company do a great pair and they may seem expensive for socks, but with Christmas around the corner why not put them on your Christmas list? Here is a link to the ones I love https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Cashmere-Bed-Socks/p/CSCBS but if you want to support a smaller business there are some great options here on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/market/cashmere_bed_socks.
I love a cup of tea before bed and there are so many on the market that are really lovely and warming. Chamomile is always the one we think of but there are many more now if that doesn't suit your palate. Try not to use sugar in your tea as it will naturally have the opposite effect. Make sure you have it at least half an hour before you are due to go to bed as it will give it time to relax you. Here are two of my favourites https://www.pukkaherbs.com/uk/en/wellbeing-articles/sleep?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiNSLBhCPARIsAKNS4_ffHP3UJniLsXq2_4P0p3-34M9Ft1vIy5P0Yl4wjz9Dg1P1DUlyaI8aAoPLEALw_wcB and https://teapigs.com/products/snooze
I hope you have found this useful but if you've tried everything and still struggle to sleep, because of your health or a time of your life like menopause, why not book an appointment to see me at my clinic in Epsom.
Have a great week
Gillian xx