10th August 2022
DFS has spoken exclusively to sleep expert Anne Marie Boyhan, at The Sleep Care Co, on a simple trick for better slumber during the heat:
“Ensure you get natural light during the day – this boosts the production on our sleep hormone, melatonin. If sunlight reaches your eyes in the morning, it sets your biological clock and triggers the timing of the hormones cortisol and melatonin, which affect sleep.”
“Sleep is a foundational pillar of health. Proper rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. That’s why it’s important to focus on habits that will support quality sleep. If you’re struggling to sleep, set up your bedroom’s environment for sleep success. Focus on creating a pitch-black bedroom and avoid blue light from screens one hour before bed.”
According to further research from DFS, over a third of adults often wake up feeling tired – despite the average Brit going to bed before 10pm. The study also revealed that 60 per cent of Brits think their bedtime routine could be better, while four in ten describe themselves as a bad sleeper.
The research shed light on the state of the nation’s sleep:
- The typical person will go to bed at 9:54pm.
- Over half (54%) need it to be completely dark outside before calling it a night - a more difficult feat in the summer months.
- The typical wake up time for Brits is 6:42am, but many still think they get less than five hours of ‘quality’ sleep a night.
- 20% of those surveyed need to ensure the room is the right temperature.
- 27 per cent need to make sure all the doors are locked before they turn in for the evening.
- Complete silence will help 54% of the population to get some rest, whereas a quarter (25%) of adults like to listen to something to help them drift off.
- The most popular sounds for lulling adults off to sleep were TV shows or films in the background, followed by ‘nature sounds’ and music.
A spokesperson for DFS has commented: “Our study has shown how the actual time we go to bed can have a real impact on our sleeping routine as a whole. The hours of sleep we get is of course important, but the way we prepare ourselves and get ‘into the zone’ of sleep is also vital.”
“We all need sleep – some more than others – but we all still need it and we all still need quality sleep. We want to encourage the nation to get into better sleeping habits, and this doesn’t have to mean making major changes. Instead, focus on establishing a routine that works for you and sticking with it, investing in this where you need to, such as by purchasing a new mattress or taking time for yourself to unwind.”
Let me know if this is of interest and if you’d like any more information. If you do cover the story, please credit the data source - https://www.dfs.co.uk/content/improve-your-quality-of-sleep-with-anne-marie-boyhan