Let’s cut right to the chase – I don’t iron my bedding. I’m sorry if that offends you, but life is too short and my daughter uses our duvet as a tent, hence why our good teddy bear friend is on our little journey for the day…
I have a real love/hate relationship with sleep. Not just because I’m a mum, although that certainly is a big factor. Truth is, it’s been years that I’ve struggled with on/off insomnia. I can very easily sleep for 12 hours one day, and another sleep only 2.
They say that bed should be just for sleeping apart from y’know, a few other bits… BUT I’m certainly guilty of using mine as a living space.
Bed is the place I’ll be brought breakfast on my 30th birthday next month (hint hint Joe!)
Bed is where my little girl bounces as she practices before her trampoline lesson. It’s where she snorts like a piggy pretending to be asleep with a loud snore – and I play along because it gives me 5 minutes to put eyeliner on.
It’s just one of the many items of furniture that Joe uses to do workouts.
Needless to say, our master bed has become an active and busy living space as much as any other room in our house and it means that I’m not switched off anymore when it’s time to hit the hay. I know there are others who are guilty of the same. Heck, I’m writing this very blog post from my bed! How bad is that?
BUT
I want to make a real effort to get back into a better sleep routine.
I am entering my 30s soon after all (if I hadn’t already mentioned it a million times…) and I need to start taking better care of myself. Will someone PLEASE pass me the anti-wrinkle cream?
Here are some things I know always help me get a better night’s sleep if I could only put them into practice on myself!
The Bed
Admittedly we are in desperate need of a new bed and it’s on the shopping list. It’s also probably about time we got a new mattress because ours is 7 years old. I just can’t bring myself to chuck it though because it’s SO comfortable. It’s a Sealy orthopaedic mattress and it was worth every penny in my opinion. We’ve also now got Sealy pillows which are mega thick, firm, and the classiest pillows I’ve ever seen oddly enough. Actually, with 2 each you’re almost vertical, as Teddy is demonstrating beautifully. I do remember a saleswoman in a bed store once telling me you should only have one pillow each, and maybe this is how you do it right! Saying that, I could have used the prop up when I was pregnany. In addition to these, I’ve recently bought themonochrome striped bedding from Ikea which you may have seen in a recent homeware haul of mine. The combination of the bed, bedding set and pillows, means that when I do finally get to tuck into bed, I just sink in snug as a bug in a rug. Make your bed a place you never want to leave and you’ll always get a better snooze.
The Atmosphere
There is a reason you get such a good night’s sleep in a hotel room. You have nothing from home to distract you. No pile of paperwork on your dressing table that is a reminder of the bills you need to pay. No piles of laundry mounting up on the floor. No teddy bear creepily following you around even though you’re sure you’ve put it away 10 times already…
It’s there just for the luxury of sleeping. A home away from home. And it’s bliss.
This is what we need to be creating more of in our bedrooms. A real place to escape from the day.
We’re in the middle of a huge declutter which we do every year before the Christmas season starts, and it’s already making a difference in clearing my mind before bed. It means clearing out the wardrobe, making sure all surfaces are kept minimal, and just embracing the darkness of the night. I know lots of people will Instagram their bedside table with a pile of books, an alarm clock and a bouquet of flowers, but for me a faux succulent and lamp is all I need.
Oh, and for today, Teddy Bear.
The Routine
Like I said, it’s all about clearing the mind. I really struggle to switch off if I haven’t done the basics like washing the day off my face and prepping my bag for the next day.
But there are other things you can do to help. Turn the mobile phone off overnight. Take away any technology that might tempt you to stay up a little later. And DO NOT have a TV in your bedroom. Sure, we regret this decision when we’ve got a stonking hangover but it’s one of the best choices we’ve made for the master bedroom!
And finally, take some time to just sit and be. I’ve been using the Headspace app before bed to help do a bit of mindfulness. It’s not for everyone, but if you haven’t tried it or even heard of it and struggle with turning off that whirring brain at night, I would highly recommnd you give it a try.
So that’s all I’ve got! Do you have any tips on beating insomnia or just to getting a better night’s sleep? I’d love to hear them!
