When faced with the bedtime blues it helps to have some sleep tips in your arsenal. Photo: Alamy
If all you feel like doing in this freezing weather is hibernating, perhaps it's time you started listening to your body?
'Beauty sleep' might be the phrase your mum used to get you to go to bed early but don't knock it. A good night's sleep is one of the world's best-kept well-being secrets. Not only does it improve mental alertness, memory and mood, it also does wonders for your skin and – with researchers finding that lack of sleep can unbalance the hormones that regulate appetite – a good night's sleep may even help you lose weight!
Of course, in today's busy working world, that can be easier said than done. Is there anything more frustrating than lying in bed watching the clock tick around and your sleep time melting away? Sometimes it can help to have some tried and trusted techniques to help you doze off.
Here are my top five tips for getting a good night's sleep:
1. Stop working way before you want to sleep! Going straight from the laptop to bed doesn't give your mind time to wind down. Screen buzz kills the sleep buZzzzz!
2. Wear clothing that you love to bed – or nothing at all – just make sure you feel great!
3. I am nuts about great beds and bedding. We bought a Tempur mattress and our lives have changed! It isolates the weight of each person so I don't end up rolling towards Kris – we are just snuggled wherever we lie down. Linen should be clean and inviting. My mum is the best at finding the best bed linen.
4. Remove any unused electrical appliances and, ideally, don't have a TV in your bedroom. It is just a space for sleeping – not launching a space shuttle!
5. Use relaxing music to help you nod off. I still use the baby music I found when I was pregnant. Wayne Gratz: Sleepy Baby Suite and Tiddley Pom: Baby Night Time are my favourites.