Getting enough sleep is not always that easy. In our current always connected culture, we spend the majority of our days glued to screens, large or small. Which is draining on the eyes and confusing to our minds and bodies at the best of times.

So when it's time to go to bed, it can be a real struggle to switch off, wind down and relax our minds and bodies into a sleep state. 

There are many ways you can combat this, and not all are natural, we here at 80NU HQ like to try and make it as simple and natural as possible, without the need for professional treatment or over the counter remedies. Here are our best solutions for getting that well earn't deep sleep.

Brew a cup of Calming Chai Hot Chocolate 

I know a glass a wine may seem more tempting , but alcohol can negatively impact your sleep patterns. Drinking alcohol causes your body to shut down and find a rhythm so you never achieve deep restful sleep, which results in restlessness, anxiety, tiredness which deprives you of the rest and recovery your mind and body so desperately need.

Instead, wind down each night with a cup of 80Noir Ultra's Chai Hot Chocolate. Our blend of specially selected herbs that are traditionally used to help calm, soothe, relax and ease the mind into a deep, restful sleep. Enjoying a hot chocolate as part of your evening routine helps to create a soothing sensation, as dark chocolate contains flavanols which triggers melatonin, which is the chemical required to induce slumber. 

Switch to a Silk Pillowcase

If you’ve ever experienced irritation from your pillowcase, you’ll know just how important it can be for a solid night of shut-eye. Unlike regular cotton pillowcases, a silk pillowcase tends to be cooler on the skin, which can help to better regulate your body temperature at night (very important for sleep!).

Silk pillowcases have also been proven to be more beneficial for your skin and hair, as they can glide against the fabric without being pulled, tugged or tangled. Try The Slip, we have, and can't recommend them enough! 

Try Yoga

When you are starting the wind down process to get to sleep, the last thing you want to do, is rigorous exercise, as it will take even longer for your body's natural energy levels to slow down. Why not encourage a bit of gentle movement to encourage restful behaviours and help switch off after a long day. Yoga is a very popular choice these days and can be done anywhere. 

Personally, I love restorative yoga, and try to incorporate that into my nighttime routine. There are so many options online or simply just go through a few movements in the privacy of your own home – we love the classic happy baby, waterfall and child’s pose, if you’re looking for some movement to start.

Light

Even a small amount of light – whether it’s from your smartphone, the sun or that streetlamp outside your window – can disturb your body’s natural sleep process. Your body is tricked into thinking it’s still time to stay awake, when you need it to begin readying your systems for sleep.

Ensure that your bedroom is kept free from unnecessary light – yes, that means no TV or scrolling before sleep – by limiting screen time and installing blinds that block out external light. Instead use lamps with low output, which can help to convince your body that sleep is near. There are also a number of smart lamps that can dim and glow in line with your morning and evening routine, helping you find a more solid snooze each night.

Digital Detox

Similar to lighting, the blue glare you receive from your phone or computer upsets yours eyes and brain patterns and activates your neural pathways, so instead of relaxing, it activates which is not what you want when you are trying to get your much needed sleep. Have an old fashioned clock, that can be set so you wake up on time, and remove all phones, computers from your room so you are not tricked into checking or looking something up, as well as removing the digital energy from the room and allowing a restful sanctuary where you can find yourself and truly sleep well.