This year you might've made getting a better night's sleep one of your big resolutions. Chances are you haven't had much success. As easy as it sounds, getting a decent 40 winks can be extremely difficult. Life can get in the way of it. Work can get in the way, causing an anxious fog to fill your mind just as your rest your head on your pillow. Too much screen time can lead to an uneasy sleep.
And that's before we even get to the daily struggles of living (you know, bills, emotional strife and the odd dodgy relationship) in 2024. No matter how tired you are, your sleep is probably interrupted, irregular and unfulfilled. Which means you're probably not living your best day-to-day life as a result.
And we hear you, and so with all that being said we asked Alexander Johnston, the grooming expert and managing director of John Bell & Croyden, to give us some tips on what we could use to get a better night's rest.
Wildsmith Skin Stillness Pillow Mist
One to spritz on your pillow every night, Wildsmith Skin's Stillness Pillow Mist is an all natural spray that promises to aid your sleep. Calming, quieting and mind soothing, rose geranium oil helps to support emotional stability and reduce anxiety. Roman chamomile oil, also renowned for its soothing and calming capabilities, is good for restoring and promoting healthy sleep patterns. "I love this pillow mist," says Johnston. "It is very soothing and not too strongly fragranced – great if you don’t like lavender."
Espérer Skin Care Cell Renewal Night Repair Face Oil
"This is a new ‘psychodermatalogical’ skincare brand that does wonders for your skin but is formulated to calm and relax the senses to promote healthier skin and mind," says Johnston. "I love it." Espérer's is pumped full of natural ingredients like plum, neroli and sandalwood and enriched with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E, which when combined work to boost collagen renewal and support cellular regeneration.
The Universal Soul Company 3-in-1 Soul Mist
The Universal Soul Company's 3-in-1 Soul Mist is a grounding and nurturing product with notes of earthy patchouli and relaxing lavendin. Spray it around your room prior to bed. "I use this every night in my eldest son’s room," Johnston say. "It really helps him both fall asleep and sleep through the night. The fragrance instantly calms the atmosphere in the room and it smells divine."
Viridian Cherry Night Powder
Viridian's Cherry Night Powder is a nutritional nightcap of ingredients including cherries, dates, glycine and magnesium. Combined this contributes to electrolyte balance, nervous system and normal muscle function, and psychological maintenance. "This is powder that you make up into a drink an hour or so before bed," Johnston advises. "It takes a week or so for the benefits to be seen, but, with regular use, it is great for improving deep sleep."
Brain Feed 5-HTP 120 tablets
5-HTP is a natural isolated nutrient extracted from the griffonia seed and it helps release serotonin and ease your mind. "This is great for fidgety sleepers or light sleepers. It naturally raises serotonin levels to help you fall into a natural and deep sleep."
Sleep Jar
Sleep Jar is an app that has it all. 102 sleep sounds. 38 on-demand meditations. 70 relaxing stories. "I love this app – I use it every night to play thunderstorm sounds as I fall asleep," says Johnston. "You can choose other calming noises, there are meditations to listen too and even stories to help switch off busy minds."
Sleep Jar
£-1.00
Shleep pillow cases
A good nights sleep can be the result of decent bedding. And this is some of the best out there right now. "This is a new bed linen brand. It is made from 100 per cent merino wool, but is woven like silk, so it is truly luxurious," says Johnston. "The natural antibacterial properties and temperature regulation that merino wool offers makes this an incredible, technical fabric that keeps you warm or cool, depending on your needs. It also wicks away sweat, which makes it a great choice for those with skin issues that need to be kept dry and bacteria free."
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