Home LivingWellnessSleep6 expert-approved sleep tips for tackling the UK clock changeHow to get the best night’s sleep when the clocks change, according to sleep expertWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessSleep6 expert-approved sleep tips for tackling the UK clock changeHow to get the best night’s sleep when the clocks change, according to sleep expertWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
How to get the best night’s sleep when the clocks change, according to sleep expert
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush / Pexels)
(Image credit: Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush / Pexels)
With the clocks going back, we’ll be experiencing shorter days and darker nights, which can leave many people feeling sluggish, tired, irritable and others may experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). So, while a longer lie-in this Sunday does appeal to many, the clock change can have a larger effect on your general wellbeing.
To cope with the clocks going back, we spoke to James Higgins, sleep expert and CEO ofEthical Bedding. Ethical Bedding is a sustainable bedding company that specialises in luxury, ethical and organic sheets and covers, using bamboo and eucalyptus materials. Below, James has given us 6 tips on how to sleep better when the clocks change.
1. Stick to your sleep schedule
“It might be tempting to go to bed later when the clocks go back, but it’s important to keep your sleep schedule the same all year round. The more consistency your brain has with sleeping times, the better night’s sleep you are likely to get”, says James. “Be sure to go to bed at your usual time and it’s important not to push your sleep schedule back or forward for the seasons changing.”
(Image credit: Miriam Alonso / Pexels)
(Image credit: Miriam Alonso / Pexels)
2. Leave 4 hours between eating & sleeping
James told us “when you eat before bed, your body is in the process of digesting food when it’s time to sleep. Your body is like a machine and it can’t rest if cogs are still turning. Your body ideally needs a 4 hour gap between eating and sleeping to fully digest and be ready to relax. If you eat right before bedtime, it can be hard to relax your body and can even result in broken sleep throughout the night.”
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For sleep and eating tips, check out8 foods to eat for a good night’s sleep and 4 foods to avoid.
3. Make sure your bedroom isn’t too hot or cold
As the days get darker, the temperatures get colder. Making sure that your bedroom is at the right temperature is vital to your comfort and sleep quality, especially throughout GMT and the winter months.
In spite of the colder temperatures, making your room too warm can also interrupt your sleep and create a bad sleeping environment for your body. “Excess heat makes the body lethargic as it relaxes the muscles, something you want to avoid when motivating yourself to get out of bed.”
4. Turn on the lights when you wake up
The clocks going back not only causes darker evenings, but darker mornings as well. This can have an affect on your general health and wellbeing, as it makes getting up harder as you feel you should still be asleep.
(Image credit: Lumie)
(Image credit: Lumie)
5. Drink a glass of water when you wake up
6. Get active
“Exercising in the morning kick starts your body. The endorphins will not only provide a positive impact on your brain and natural energy, but exercise is proven to help you sleep better at night, thus creating a positive circle to your daily winter routine.”
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