As we start coming to the end of the first month of a new year, the excitement from Christmas and New Year celebrations comes to end. Now’s the time to focus on ourselves, and maximising our wellness for the year ahead, whilst looking for ways to improve our health. One of the most important steps we can take is to ensure that we are getting enough sleep. Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health, and yet many of us struggle to get the recommended 7-8 hours per night.

There are many factors that can affect the quality and quantity of our sleep. One of the most common is stress, which can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are dealing with high levels of stress, whether it’s due to work, family or other commitments.

Another factor that can affect sleep is our use of technology. Many of us are guilty of scrolling through our phones or watching TV in bed, but these activities can actually disrupt our sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.

So, what can we do to improve our sleep habits? Here are some tips:

1. Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine: This could include reading a book, taking a bath or doing some gentle yoga or stretching.
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These substances can interfere with sleep, so try to avoid them in the hours leading up to bedtime.
4. Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet, and invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
5. Limit technology use before bed: Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime, and consider using a blue light filter on your devices.
6. Manage stress: Try to find ways to manage stress throughout the day, whether it’s through exercise, meditation or talking to a friend or therapist.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can improve your sleep habits and reap the many benefits of a good night’s rest. These benefits include improved mood, better memory and concentration, and a reduced risk of health problems like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

If you are still struggling with sleep despite these efforts, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying health conditions that may be affecting your sleep, and provide personalised advice and treatment options.

In conclusion, sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing, and yet many of us struggle to get enough of it. By making simple changes to our sleep habits and environment, we can improve the quality and quantity of our sleep, and reap the many benefits that come with it. So, make a commitment to prioritise your sleep in 2023 – your body and mind will thank you for it.