How to get a good night’s sleep

I’ve never really had a great relationship with sleep. I’ve alway’s struggled to drift off right from when I was a small child to recently when I went through a period of severe anxiety, I found it almost impossible! Over time I’ve found a few effective ways of helping to relax and in my mind, when you’re relaxed your more likely to get to sleep right? Anyway, I thought I would share some of my tips for a more relaxing and peaceful night’s sleep! Clean Bedding Obviously this is the most obvious one out there, nothing makes you sleep like a baby than the scent of freshly washed sheets. Wrapped up in a crispy cocoon of washing powder will send anyone into a deep sleep! Lavender My Mum brought me this amazing spray from Avon called Sleep Serenity, I’m sure there are other variations out there but I find this one amazing. It’s not too lavender-y and is supposed to (and does in my opinion) help you drift off as the scent helps to relax you. Write a Journal Now this is something I always cringe at, who writes a journal for one and secondly, surely it’s just asking for trouble? Your Mum will definitely read it and you’re so going to get grounded! Anyway, seen as I’m 25 years old now and my Mum can’t ground me I guess I’m safe to start one! Someone at work told me about this technique which I’ve recently started and it really helps. My main problem with getting to sleep is that I have so much wizzing round in my head so every night now, even if I don’t have anything major to report on I write at least 3 pages and just empty my head onto the paper. It really helps to just clear your mind, which brings me on to the next point. Write Lists I’m a huge fan of lists, there’s nothing quite like the pleasure you get from ticking off something on a list when you’ve completed the task! I also find that writing lists is a good way of keeping things out of your mind, you’re not having to constantly remember 100,000 things and by writing a list you can prioritise things and feel like you’re life’s in order! Herbal Tea I love drinking tea and it has been known for me to have up to 5 cups a day, I know it’s disgusting but I honestly have a problem. Anyway, I try not to drink tea after 3pm – ish so that it doesn’t keep me awake (this goes for you coffee drinkers as well!) The one thing I miss is the cup of tea before bed, I feel like having a nice warm cup of tea helps you to get all cosy and sleepy. This is when I turn to herbal teas, my favourite is definitely peppermint but camomile is supposed to be the best for relaxing you if you can bear the taste! Anything caffine…