Sleeptember Stress Busters

Sleeptember Stress Busters

With the launch of Sleeptember the Sleep Council’s latest research found that 90% of people admit to suffering from some form of stress in their lives, with almost two out of five saying they are regularly, frequently or constantly stressed.

In Northern Ireland 88% of people say they suffer sleep problems when stressed (UK Highest) and 76% have suffered from a sleep disorder. A further 46% say they regularly, frequently or always are stressed.

With millions of people caught in a vicious cycle of stress and sleepless nights the month of September has been identified by health professionals as being one of the most stressful months for many.

Neil Shah, director of The Stress Management Society, said: “In our experience September is the beginning of the Stress Calendar: the kids are back at school, the summer holidays are officially over, the weather is starting to change and we have to wait until Christmas for the next public holiday.”

It’s worth remembering that just one bad night’s sleep can affect our mood, concentration and alertness while long-term sleep deprivation has far more serious consequences: it’s been linked to a number of serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. So what can be done to reduce the stress and aid sleep better?

Dalzells Beds - Northern Ireland

Sleeptember

Sleeptember reminds us of the healthy benefits of a good night’s sleep. If you’re a poor sleeper then why not follow these five simple steps this month to try and improve your sleep:

  • Create the ideal sleep environment: The ideal sleep environment means a bedroom that’s cool, quiet and dark.
  • Get rid of the gadgets: Smart phones, laptops, TVs, radios and games consoles all have a significant effect on our sleeping habits, making it difficult to switch off and wind down.
  • Invest in a new bed: Research shows that sleeping on an uncomfortable bed could rob you of up to an hour’s sleep, Think about replacing your bed after about seven years.
  • Routine: Try to stick to regular bedtime hours
  • Wind down: Try to learn relax before bedtime.

Once you’ve the bedroom environment sorted, why not try these simple relaxation tips to help relieve stress and ultimately help you get that great night’s sleep.

Beautiful young woman applying organic cosmetics to her skin

Relaxation Tips to Help Relieve Stress

Relaxation can help to relieve the symptoms of stress. Not only can relaxation help calm us down but it can also help us take a step back from a stressful or worrying situation.  The following tips may help relieve feelings of stress before bedtime.

  • Practice deep breathing and deep muscle relaxation in a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed.
  • Try and give your mind time to calm down before you try to sleep.
  • Read a book, which will help relax the  body and tire your eyes.
  • If you’re concerned about something, try and write your worries down in a notebook.
  • Try and keep a regular bedtime routine .
  • Cut back on caffeine and alcohol.
  • Have a relaxing soak in the bath to help soothe the body and mind.

What to do next

If you are concerned about your sleep or stress levels, consult your GP or seek medical advice at the earliest convenience. At Dalzell’s we have expert staff on hand to advise on choosing the right bed and mattress to aid better sleep. With over 500 beds and mattresses in stock including orthopaedic and gel beds, we’re confident that you’ll find the right bed to meet your needs. We recommend you visit us in-store so you can try out a range of different beds, or if you’re short for time, why not give us a call T: 028 3755 1260 or email us where our staff will be only too happy to advise you on what best suits your circumstances. What’s more with Free Delivery* and Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed throughout Northern Ireland, and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland, you’ll know you’re getting the best deal, at thr right price. Not only that, we’ll also unpack and set-up your new Divan Bed in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging.