Been struggling to sleep well recently?
As the seasons and weather change, it’s normal for sleep to be disrupted.
Earlier sun rises can wake us up earlier than we’d like, leaving us lethargic during the day.
Parvinder Sagoo, a pharmacist and health adviser for Simply Meds Online, says: ‘Changes in weather can impact the quality of your sleep, and how much you’re getting.
‘This is because these dramatic weather changes leave us feeling lethargic, irritated, hot and headachy and this can in turn leave for a disrupted and uncomfortable sleep.
‘You may think that experiencing lethargy should mean that we sleep better as we are more tired, but actually it has the opposite effect, and often if we feel lethargic during the day we may find that our sleep at night is affected.’
Do naps help?
They can do, but you need to be careful if you’re struggling to sleep at night.
Parvinder says: ‘If a person is taking more time to relax or taking naps during the day because of the weather, this will also affect their sleep as they won’t feel tired or feel they need to rest at night.’
This experience is known as ‘weather whiplash’.
Parvinder adds: ‘High levels of humidity makes the temperature feel warmer than it actually is, and if the sun has also been out this quick and sharp level of change can leave our body confused which leaves us feeling tired, agitated and lethargic.
‘Not only this, we also experience “weather headaches” which are medically known as barometric pressure headaches.’
How can you get your sleep back on track?
You can’t change the weather, but you can change your habits.
Parvinder suggests drinking plenty of water, taking frequent breaks from screens, improving your posture, taking a hot bath, and applying a heating or ice pack for a few minutes during the day.
He says: ‘If you’re working at a desk try to sit up straight and take regular breaks to walk around.
‘You can also massage your head which may be able to relieve any pressure and tensions, concentrating on the temples.’
Other useful tips include getting fresh air at least once a day and exercising.
Don’t let the sun lull you into a daytime slumber.
Sleep-boosting products worth trying
Ergoflex 5G Mattress
In need of a new mattress? This one from Ergoflex could be your perfect match.
It’s got a five-layer system made of premium materials for a super supportive and pressure-relieving mattress – ideal if aches and pains are keeping you up at night.
Buy it for £445 here
Sleepy Body Lotion
One of our favourites – this is a super soothing cream that you can smother yourself in the next time you’re struggling to drift off.
Buy for £10 from Lush
5-HTP+ by FutureYou Cambridge
This supplement uses 5-HTP, an amino acid produced by the body by tryptophan, saffron, which some studies suggest improves sleep quality, B6, and lavender oil, all of which are claimed to help you drift off.
You can get a free 28-day trial here, then a box costs £14.40 a month.
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
‘This stuff is like magic,’ wrote one reviewer. ‘Absolutely amazing, I’m so pleased i bought it.
‘I’ve had issues with sleeping my whole life and tried nearly everything under the sun to try and aid my sleep.
‘I had my eye on this product for a while but was hesitant to buy because of the price, however I finally caved and it’s worth every penny!’
Buy for £13.87 from Amazon
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