31st October marks National Sleep In Day, the changing of the clocks and an extra hour in bed. However with 1 in 5 of us claiming to suffer from a lack of sleep it would seem that 20% of adults will be left wide awake.* Experts at thejetrest.com and the Sleep Council claim that getting a good night’s sleep is all about creating the right environment.

With increased light and noise pollution and modern life demanding different work patterns, more of us are finding ourselves keeping unusual hours. It can seem nigh on impossible to block out every scrap of light, which leaves us exhausted from just a couple of broken hours sleep. So what can you do to ensure that you aren’t left counting sheep?   

1.       Light exercise helps to relieve the stresses and worries of the day. Why not try Yoga for extra relaxing benefits.

2.        A warm bath or shower and gentle music can help you feel calm and relaxed before bedtime.

3.       Try eating foods such as milk and bananas, as they contain the amino acid tryptophan, which helps the brain to produce melatonin, the hormone that helps you to nod off. Make sure to avoid stimulants such as caffeine and sugar before bed as they will disrupt your sleeping pattern.

4.       A comfortable bed that is neither too soft or too hard, too small nor too old is well worth the money. When buying a new bed, don’t be afraid to lie down and test the mattress to ensure it is supportive enough for you.

5.       Aromatherapy is a great way to help you relax. Try placing a warm heat pack with lavender under your duvet. This will warm your bed and delicately scent the air with lavender creating the ultimate relaxing environment.

6.       Your bedroom needs to be as dark and quiet as possible. Invest in a good eye mask and earplugs to help exclude all light and sound that could disturb you.  

A small investment in the tools for creating the right environment really can be the solution to minor sleep issues. The correct bed is half the battle but other gadgets such as an eye mask can help win the war. However cheap options can be either uncomfortable to wear or simply don’t block out the light. The ideal eye mask is crafted from blackout fabric and excludes every ray. It should also be soft and lightweight, and be moulded, meaning that there is no sensation of ‘pressing’ on the eyelids, which all too often makes sleep masks more of a hindrance than an aid to sleep.

The eye mask, combined with ear plugs, are also a must have travel accessory, as they not only help you to sleep on the plane but combat jetlag at the end of your journey.

For everything you will need to make the most of that extra hour in bed this October 31st, visit thejetrest.com.

- ENDS –

Notes to Editors

*Source: The Sleep Council -16th September 2010

The Luxury Eye Mask is available from thejetrest.com  and is priced from £7.95. A range of ear plugs is also available from £1.25.

wheatybags.co.uk offer a range of heat packs, containing wheat sourced locally from farms in Lancashire. Available in a range of designs and fabrics including organic cotton, these packs can be warmed or chilled to provide non medicinal relief from arthritis, rheumatism, sprains and swelling, burns and migraine. Wheatybags with Provence lavender are also effective in calming stress and sleeplessness. Prices start from £3.95.