World Sleep Day – Tips to help you sleep better

World Sleep Day is on 18th March. The last few years have changed the way we all live and work. For those working in Health and Social Care, this stressful period may present a real challenge to mental health and to sleep in particular. Sleep is a cornerstone of our health, so protecting it is important. This World Sleep Day, Sleepio are sharing some top tips to help you get better sleep and live healthier:

1. Spend 15 minutes a few hours before bed making a to-do list for tomorrow with plans for how to deal with each point
2. Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary by keeping non-sleep activities out
3. Keep phones and tech outside the bedroom
4. Try to limit vigorous activity to the morning and afternoon
5. Try not to hit that snooze button by making sure you’re getting enough sleep
6. Keep a regular daily rise time and routine where possible
7. Try not to have long lie-ins at the weekend

For shift workers

Our final 4 should specifically help those of you who work shifts:

1. Before your shift: Try a brief 30-40 minute nap to reduce sleepiness when you’re at work
2. During your shift: Use bright light at the start of your shift to encourage alertness and if working the same shift for a few days, eat a meal or snack at the same time each day
3. Getting home after your night shift: Wear dark glasses on the way home to encourage the production of melatonin and prepare your body for sleep
4. When you get home: Make sure the people you live with know that you are resting and try some black out blinds to keep the sunlight out of your bedroom

Find out more this World Sleep Day on 18th March:

www.sleepio.com/nhs