Having trouble getting a good’s sleep? It’s an essential part of all our lives, with most of us spending around a third of our life asleep, but that doesn’t mean we’re doing it well.

With March 2018 marking National Bed Month, the Sleep Council wants us to take a moment to think about creating the perfect bedtime environment…

Temperature

Our body heat peaks in the evening and then drops to its lowest levels when we’re asleep. 16-18°C is considered ideal in the bedroom, though young children and elderly people may require more warmth. A room thermometer can help you keep track

Lighting

Though we’ve evolved since we lived in caves, our bodies naturally wake up when we see light and drop off when it’s dark. If Spring’s early morning sun is waking you before you’re ready, invest in blackout blinds or try an eye mask.

Comfort

We spend a third of our life in bed, so finding the one that’s right for you is imperative. Though many mattress weights and finishes are available, you also need to consider bed size, duvet weight and style of base. As a rule, your mattress should be replaced every 7 years

Noise

It may not be something you think about until your sleep is rudely disrupted. If you suffer from noisy neighbours or the hum of traffic, you may find double glazing offers some respite. Foam ear plugs or “white noise” soundtracks can also help.

Gadgets

We’re plugged into our phones pretty much 24/7, but electronic gadgets emit light which disrupts our circadian rhythms – the natural cycles which send us to sleep and wake us up. What’s more, answering work emails before bed will only leave you worrying. Keep TVs, computers and phones outside the bedroom for a better night’s sleep.

Relaxation

It’s important to switch off before you try to drop off. Different techniques work for different people – perhaps a warm bubble bath leaves you relaxed, or a chapter of a good book promises instant tiredness.

Worrying about what might go wrong at work? Or losing sleep over pricey insurance premiums? Bring your insurance problems to Lockyers and see what we can do to take a weight off.