Out of this World Sleep with Tempur*

This post is in conjunction with TEMPUR® but all thoughts are my own.

There are a lot of things I’m good at when it comes to life. I’m good at cooking, I can make money stretch, I’m a good mother and I like to think I’m a good person (although, that could be considered as relative). But sleeping is not something I’m good at and it hasn’t been since I was thirteen years old. Given I’m now thirty three, that’s twenty years of terrible sleep. I have tried everything, but I’m an insomniac and there are certain times of the year where my mind just races. When I was younger I actually started to hate bedtime and I would feel really stressed out at the prospect of lying alone in the dark with my own thoughts for hours on end but thankfully I can say for the most part, that has changed. While I still get little sleep on occasion, I don’t resent going to bed. I’ve made my bed somewhere that feels safe and comfortable, so that the sleep I do manage to get, is good sleep and that’s what is important.

Getting a good nights sleep is a combination of a lot of factors, but it’s undeniable that good sleep, does equate to good health both physically and mentally. And I know that we can all agree on the fact that getting a decent mattress and some bedding that works for you is important. TEMPUR® are the only mattress and pillow recognised by NASA. The brand name, TEMPUR® comes from the iconic TEMPUR® mattress material that is derived from the NASA developed memory foam that was designed to absorb G-force pressure during space flight. After years of development and perfecting, TEMPUR® were able to create the worlds first memory foam pillow and mattress. While the formula for the TEMPUR® memory foam is kept secret (less than 10 people in the world know it, how crazy is that?), what it does is simple, helps you sleep better, longer, deeper. And who doesn’t want that?

TEMPUR® have asked me to partake in their Out of this World sleep campaign and as part of that I’m sharing five tips for getting that deep space sleep experience we all all need.

Invest in a Good Mattress

Having an uncomfortable mattress not only takes it’s toll on your body as it offers no support but it can often reduce the quality of sleep you have. If you can’t get comfortable you’ll find you never fall into a deep sleep due to tossing and turning all night. Yes, a new mattress can be expensive, especially if you consider the fact you should be replacing yours at least every eight years, but instead, see it as an investment. A TEMPUR® mattress adapts to your body as you sleep offering comfort and support all night. So if you’re a restless sleeper or you sleep in one position, your shouldn’t get up in the morning aching all over, but feel rested and ready to get on with your day.

Take a Bath

There is a reason why it’s recommended to bath your baby before bed as part of their evening routine, it’s been proven that it’s been proven that a warm bath is a remedy for helping you sleep. This is probably why I often take a bath before bed, in fact, I’ve seen myself taking a bath at 3am (especially when i’m feeling under the weather) because nine times out of ten, it works. You can buy specially formulated products that can go in your bath that help induce that dozy feeling but I often find just the steam is enough to make me feel tired. Or you could even shut off the main light and and burn some scented candles to really create a relaxing atmosphere.

Make Your Bed Somewhere You Want to Be

Insomniacs out there know exactly what I mean by this. Bed can become a place you don’t want to go because trying to sleep because a marathon task. However, I’ve learned over the years the key is to make your bed somewhere you want to hang out. Pick the perfect pillow, a duvet that doesn’t leave you too hot or too cold, some cozy blankets and make even some throw pillows. Use a lamp instead of the main room light. I have noticed a huge difference in how relaxed I feel while lazing in my bed since switching to a salt lamp. While many people claim they have health benefits, I actually just feel they add to the relaxing ambiance of the room.

Have a Hot Drink

Usually I’m not someone who drinks a lot of hot drinks, in fact there are only three occasions I can think of where I do; when I go to visit my best friend, when I go to visit my Nanny and when I need to wind down before bed. I do think it’s relaxing to settle down under a blanket with my hands wrapped around a warm mug. My go to is usually hot chocolate as it doesn’t have the amount of caffeine in that my body is used to. I do know some people who swear by regular mug of tea though (my mum included). If I don’t fancy something milky I usually go for an decaffeinate flavoured tea. Apparently chamomile is the best if you need a good nights rest but I personally don’t like it.

Create a Bedtime Routine That Works For You

Ultimately, you need to find what works for you and don’t let anyone tell you it’s wrong if it helps you fall asleep. A lot of people will tell you using technology before bed is one of the worst things you can do, but I know people who scroll through Facebook, mindlessly watching videos and reading articles until they dose off. Apparently reading is good but this is something that works against sleep for me, I get way too invested and have seen myself stay up all night. Personally I need to have white noise. So I usually put on a lighthearted program that I’ve seen before and don’t need to re-watch, turn the volume and screen brightness down and it drowns out any thoughts in my head so I can doze off. At the end of the day, you have to find a routine that works for you personally, even if it means trying a lot of different things, you’ll get there and it’ll be worth it!