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Health and Wellbeing Lifestyle

Why Does The Heat Make You So Tired?

 The days get warmer, the sun gets higher, and suddenly we all feel like doing precisely nothing and lazing about in the heat all day. No, you’re not imagining it: hot weather does make you feel more tired!

The reason we want to spend our summers in a marathon Netflix session in front of our portable fans has to do with our internal temperature regulation, our reaction to natural light, and a host of other factors.

But before you reach for another cup of coffee or sugary pick-me-up, read on to find out what’s really going on with your body to make you sleepy.

Heat changes your body temperature.

You may not realize it, but your body is constantly working to keep you in balance. It regulates your moods, your emotions, and your body temperature. The body expends energy in order to keep cool, and the more we sweat, the more energy we lose, leading to fatigue and sleepiness.

So essentially our bodies are working harder to keep us cool in the summer months and expanding more energy!

Heat makes you dehydrated.

More often than not, it isn’t the heat that’s making you feel sleepy, but rather the dehydration that happens as a result. Dehydration always causes sleepiness and fatigue. To keep yourself from getting dehydrated, drink at least 2 litres of water a day to provide your body with the hydration it needs.

Heat causes blood pressure to drop

When it’s warm, the blood pressure drops. When blood pressure is low, it causes fatigue and sleepiness. A slight drop in blood pressure means that there is less amount of blood reaching the brain, and as a result, your body struggles to stay awake

Bottom line: Physical exertion, sweating, and staying outside for hours when it’s hot, depletes your body of fluid and salt, leading to dehydration and a whole host of other symptoms. The end result? You feel fatigued, lethargic, and sleepy.

There’s plenty you can do to combat all of this such as keeping hydrated, staying in the shade when you can and even eating salty snacks – you don’t need to tell us twice! So when it comes to falling asleep in the evening you have no problem drifting off.

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Lifestyle

Our Top 5 Eco-Friendly Holidays In The UK

With summer finally arriving and staycations in full swing, it’s time to book the holiday that we’ve been looking forward to all year.

However, did you know that many UK staycations are now placing a huge emphasis on being eco-friendly?

As a carbon-neutral organisation, this was music to our ears!

Luckily there are a whole host of eco-friendly holidays in the UK, and we’ve highlighted our top 5 to inspire you for your next holiday in the UK.

The Zetter, London

The Zetter Hotel claims to be THE original London Boutique hotel and has used energy-saving technology and eco-friendly materials wherever possible. This approach also includes water pumped from the hotel’s 1500-foot bore-hole beneath the building which helps make the building self-sustaining (flushing loos and cooling the building).

As well as this, guests are given the option of foregoing housekeeping to save energy and it’s impressive that the hotel is using its clout to effect change in its suppliers – now almost everything comes and goes by bike.

Organig Parc in Carnguwch, Wales

Organig Parc offers guests to stay in charming holiday cottages that previously served as horse stables in the 1880s, and have since undergone extension renovation (using locally-sourced materials, of course).

Even better—the property sources its water from the nearby mountain spring fuels its stoves from fallen trees and ensures that all waste food is recycled and composted to fertilise the farm.

Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, this luxury hotel boasts all the amenities you’d expect in a five-star hotel, such as gorgeous rooms and excellent dining, plus a few you probably wouldn’t—an electric car charging point, an on-site food waste processing plant, and a wood pellet boiler to power the world-class spa facilities are all featured in this stunning hotel.

Following an extensive £15 million renovation, the Victorian property is now one of the most environmentally-friendly hotels in Britain!

The Scarlet in Cornwall, England

The Scarlet in Cornwall aims to create memorable holidays, experiences and escapes which don’t cost the Earth; featuring a slew of luxury amenities, including a deep relaxation room, sunbathing terrace, and cloister garden, you’ll never want to head up to your room (but you should, because each one offers a stunning panoramic view of the property).

But the hotel’s most exciting features are the ones you can’t see, such as its commitment to grey-water harvesting (using wastewater from showers to flush toilets) and its roof constructed entirely from Sea Thrift (a local plant).

Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Dundee

Think all eco-friendly hotels are in remote areas? Think again. Located in Scotland’s second most populated city, this 152-room property has sustainability down to a science.

Not only does the hotel only use eco-friendly chemicals, but it also purchases recycled furniture and accessories whenever possible, whilst paying careful attention to its energy consumption.

With all these great staycation options we hope we’ve given you some much needed holiday inspiration!

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Health and Wellbeing Lifestyle Sleep Tips

Why are my Hay Fever Symptoms Worse at Night?

Summer is finally here. A time for picnics in the park, sunny days at the beach and topping up your tan. But if you’re one of the 13 million people in the UK who suffer from hay fever, the chances are that you associate summer more with streaming eyes, an itchy throat and a stuffy nose.

If you find that your hay fever symptoms are affecting your sleep, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves sneezing at night, meaning they struggle to get a good night’s rest. There are, however, a few simple steps you can follow to try to relieve your symptoms and set yourself up for a peaceful sleep.

 

What is hay fever and what causes it?

Known medically as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is characterised by cold-like symptoms, including a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itchiness. Hay fever symptoms often emerge during the summer, when seasonal allergens like tree or grass pollen are in the environment.

These allergens contain proteins that can cause swelling or irritation in the nose, throat or eyes. As the body tries to rid itself of the pollen, it causes the nose to run or eyes to feel itchy.

People of all ages can be affected by hay fever, with symptoms usually starting young. You’re also more likely to suffer from hay fever if you have other allergies, including asthma.

 

Why are my symptoms worse in the evening?

If you find that your hay fever symptoms seem particularly bad at night, you may have an allergy to dust mites. This is because mite allergens can be present in your bedding, carpets or curtains, causing you to sneeze or have a blocked or runny nose when you’re trying to sleep.

Are your hay fever symptoms worse at night, and don’t seem to go away during cooler times of the year when the pollen count is lower? This could be a sign that you’re suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis, inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by allergens such as dust mites.

 

Tips to manage your hay fever at night

There’s no known cure for hay fever, but many people find that taking antihistamines or steroids – as directed by a doctor – can help prevent the body’s reaction to allergens and reduce the symptoms.

To help alleviate your symptoms at night and ensure you get a good night’s rest, try changing your clothes and having a shower or bath in the evening. This will help get rid of any pollen or other allergens that might be on your clothes, hair or skin.

It’s also recommended that you close your windows at night, to avoid pollen entering your bedroom while you sleep.

Try keeping pets out of your bedroom to cut down on potential allergens, making sure that they have a separate pet bed so they don’t end up sharing yours. Dust mites can’t survive in hypoallergic duvets, pillows and mattresses, so choosing these for your bed can also help give you a comfortable night’s sleep.

By carefully considering your bedroom environment and taking care to reduce potential allergens, you’re more likely to get the restful night’s sleep you deserve.

 

 

For more advice on getting a good night’s rest and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

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Lifestyle

Transforming Your Bedroom Into A Calm And Characterful Space

We could all do with a little sunshine in our lives right now and no colour can brighten up a day quite like yellow. From buttercup and ochre, through to lemon, marigold and amber, these joyful shades are psychologically linked to happiness and creativity.

What’s more, they look gorgeous in a bedroom setting thanks to their association with warmth. Paired with complementary hues from the same side of the spectrum – think dusky pink, chalky terracotta and burnt orange – they will bring a welcoming softness to any space.

If you’re looking to introduce larger blocks of colour into any interior scheme, we’d always recommend using a variety of different tones to create depth, especially with a bold primary colour such as yellow. Soft furnishings are a great way to do this and a variety of shades can be introduced across throws, cushions and curtains in a mix of different textures. For the summer months, we love the tactility of linen which brings with it a beautiful softness whilst still offering cool breathability.

If you’re feeling brave, why not make a real statement with an upholstered headboard and divan base in a yellow hue?  Our mustard fabric is perfect for this and is the ideal shade of mellow for a bedroom scheme. Paired with crisp white sheets and scatter cushions in similar colours it will transform your bedroom into a calm, yet characterful space.

For those just wanting to dip a toe, a small collection of coloured accents and accessories will instantly pep up a space. Matching bedside lamps in a soft yellow hue will make an eye-catching display and the symmetry will create balance and harmony in an instant.

What do you think? Will you be adding this sunny shade to your home this season?

For more design and sleep tips and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

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Jessica Ennis-Hill Lifestyle Sleep Tips

Five Lockdown Tips with Jessica Ennis-Hill

“Our lives have changed dramatically over the last month and unsurprisingly,
this is having an effect on our sleep. We often forget how important rest is but it’s amazing how different you feel when you’ve had a great night’s sleep!
Our minds and bodies are dealing with a lot at the moment, so it’s more important than ever to focus on the things that will help us to tackle the day ahead.”

—-
Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sleepeezee’s Brand Ambassador

1. Establish a routine
We’re all having to adapt to a new normal, but it’s important to establish a routine – as a mum of two, I quickly realised how important this was! Our internal body clock has a huge impact on our sleep and a change in routine can throw this out of kilter. While it may be tempting to lie-in or nap during the day, it can easily disrupt our natural rhythm which will have a knock-on affect for your sleep. If possible, try to get up and go to sleep at roughly the same time every day.

2. Create a sleep sanctuary
Our homes have had to turn into classrooms, workout studios and indoor jungle gyms and this change in the status quo can really affect our ability to fall asleep. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, make sure that your bedroom feels as cosy and comfortable as possible. If you’re working from home, make sure you tidy away any paperwork or screens you may have used throughout the day and use soft lighting to start to get your mind and body ready for sleep.

3. Stay active
I am obviously massively biased about how great exercise is for you,
but I’ve seen it transform my life in so many different ways. There are so many amazing benefits that you can reap from exercise and a better night’s sleep is definitely one of them. Likewise, the better you sleep, the better you’ll be able to tackle the day ahead giving you more energy to challenge yourself to go on a run or do a home workout – it’s all linked.

4. Embrace natural light and fresh air
Whilst we’re social distancing and self-isolating, some of us probably aren’t getting quite as much natural light and fresh air as we’re used to. Natural light is a great way to kick-start our bodies in the morning, so if you’re feeling groggy, a morning walk could be just what you need. If you aren’t able to leave the house, throwing open the windows can make a big difference too.

5. Put those phones away!
We’re all guilty of it, but using phones and tablets just before bed is a sure-fire way to get your brain whirring, especially if we’ve got constant news alerts and work e-mails coming through. Set yourself a deadline for switching everything off and grab a book before bed if you can.

Everything’s easy when you Sleepeezee.

For more sleep tips and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on TwitterLinkedIn and Instagram.

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Health Health and Wellbeing Lifestyle Sleep Hygiene Sleep Tips

How To Manage Anxiety And Improve Sleep

In these unprecedented and challenging times, you may find yourself worrying more than usual. It’s no surprise, therefore, that many of us are finding that anxiety is affecting our sleep.

Lack of sleep can affect your mental health, but mental health problems can also affect how well you sleep and how much sleep you get.

Sleep is absolutely vital for our daily performance. From bodily repair, cognitive function and general all-round health, it’s recommended that we get around eight hours of sleep a night – but for those suffering from anxiety, that’s not something that comes so easy.

How to improve sleep when you feel anxious

Anxiety can cause many different psychological and physical symptoms. From racing thoughts to tense muscles and a faster heart rate, to finding it difficult to fall asleep or waking during the night, anxiety can make it difficult to get the rest we need.

There are many different methods and strategies that you can put into place. As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of mattresses, we know a thing or two about sleep. Try our top tips below to beat sleep anxiety.

Keep a routine

You may be working from home, but try to maintain some control on your sleep/wake sleep schedule. Not only will the routine keep you focused, it helps to keep the body’s internal body clock in sync. Avoid the temptation to take lengthy naps or sleep in, as this can throw your schedule off-track and upset your body clock.

Stay active

Exercise can aid better quality sleep and the endorphins pumping through your body are also great mood boosters. Exercise not only improves heart health and blood pressure, it can help you to build and strengthen your body and can work to relieve stress. Regular exercise can help in lifting your mood and getting your sleep back on track.

Get as much natural light as possible

Working from home, social distancing or self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic may mean you’re struggling to enjoy being out in the natural light, and this could be negatively affecting your mental and physical wellbeing. Where possible, try to go out for a quiet daily walk, spend some time in your garden or on your balcony, and open the windows to help fresh air circulate around your home.

Invest in your mattress & bedroom environment

Don’t neglect the basics when it comes to sleeping better. Your bedroom environment plays a big part in achieving a good night’s sleep. It should be cool, quiet and dark, and your mattress should be comfortable and supportive. Natural fillings such as wool and silk can help keep you cool during the night, especially as the weather gets warmer, and modern fillings such as memory foam and gel will help your bed adapt to the contours of your body.

Stay away from devices

It’s recommended that we stop using electronics an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted from phones, tablets and laptops can keep us awake. Given the current COVID-19 crisis, you may find yourself watching the news or scrolling social media late at night, and feeling anxious as a result. To avoid this, set yourself an hour of downtime before bed, and keep phones, computers and clutter out of the bedroom – this is the room where you should feel calm and clear-headed, not distracted by work or news.

And breathe…

Finding ways to relax before you fall asleep is key, and especially when you’re feeling anxious or stressed. Practice relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises. You may find it helpful to use apps that offer guided meditation, mindfulness techniques or even white noise to help you feel calm and relaxed. Alternatively, read a good book or listen to soothing music. Whatever makes you feel better, it’s important that you take time just for you each evening, to help you truly relax and rest.

For more sleep tips and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

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Lifestyle

5 Mouthwatering Breakfast In Bed Recipes For Mother’s Day

With only a few days until Mother’s Day (Sunday March 22) it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to do for your Mum – or if you are Mum, what you’d like the family to do for you!

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity for Mum to enjoy a lazy morning, cosied up with a frothy coffee and a beautiful homemade breakfast.

So, to help you on your way we’ve rounded up our favourite delicious recipes, which the kids can help make whilst Mum enjoys a bit of well-deserved me time in her Sleepeezee Bed…

From posh porridge to strawberry cheesecake pancakes, scroll down for five special breakfast in bed ideas.

Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes

A pile of these strawberry pancakes will curb your Mum’s sweet tooth. Just add strawberries, clotted cream, icing sugar and you are good to go – the sweet treat every Mum deserves!

Strawberry Chessecake Pancakes

Avocado and Bacon Croissants

Nothing quite says ‘I love you’ like bacon and these croissants are sure to go down a treat! All you need is an avocado, a good helping of bacon and some croissants. At Sleepeezee, we love a simple breakfast that tastes as good as it looks.

Avocado and Bacon Croissants

Granola Yogurt Pot

If your Mum prefers savoury over sweet, this is the one for her. Use her favourite yogurt combined with granola and blueberries, a very healthy alternative!

Granola Yogurt Pot

Eggs Benedict

This classic breakfast item is easier to make at home than you might think and is sure to bring a smile to your Mum’s face! Eggs, muffins, smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce are all required to make this perfect breakfast.

Eggs Benedict

Slow-cooked porridge

Some of us just like the simple life and if that sounds like your Mum, she’ll love nothing better than a bowl of her favourite porridge. The easiest one of all – grab some oats and her favourite toppings and you’re all set!

Slow-cooked porridge

We hope we’ve provided some inspiration after all your Mum deserves to relax on her special day.

Let us know which recipe was your favourite, we want to know how you’ll be putting a smile on your Mum’s face this Mother’s Day!!

For more sleep tips and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Lifestyle

Bedroom Design Trends for 2020

There’s no escaping bedroom trends, whether you live by them or feel totally unaffected!

From popular paint shades to furniture choices, everything designed in our homes is influenced by a wider trend.

There aren’t many spaces in the home as versatile as our bedrooms. It’s where we spend our most intimate, quiet moments unplugged and away from the world. And as much as we try not to, we might be guilty of snacking, working, or bingeing another series from the comfort of our sheets!

So if your bedroom is in need of a refresh have a look at our favourites below:

Bright Colours

While previous bedroom design trends have favoured soft and subtle colours, bold hues such as cobalt blue, forest green and ochre yellow are all set to be big throughout 2020. This trend involves picking one daring colour instead of an assorted colour scheme and using your chosen shade throughout your bedroom.

Bedroom Trends 2020

Structured Simplicity

Evolving from the Nordic Retreat trend from last year this look is stripped back in style. The purpose is to create a calm, comfy, chilled-out space to relax in – it’s all about making our homes a safe, inviting space to rest and regenerate!

Eclectic Glamour

This is 2020’s bold, confident and sassy take on the glamour trend.  Taking it up a notch, this reimagined trend is a grown-up look that channels Thirties sophisticated elegance with a little Seventies-style opulence thrown in.

Bedroom Trends

Japani

There’s been a strong Japanese design element running as an undercurrent through interior collections over the past few seasons.  A mash-up of elegant Japanese minimalism and rustic Scandinavian simplicity, Japani is a hybrid trend bringing together the best of these two much-loved styles.

Down to Earth

2020 is going to show us a lot of minimal, nature-inspired bedrooms. We’ll see a major focus on texture, earth tones, and an embrace of imperfection.

Bedroom Trends 2020

So did you see something that caught your eye? Why not try to recreate your favourite 2020 bedroom trend in your own home!

For more sleep tips and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Lifestyle

10 Valentine’s Day Gifts For People Who Love Sleep

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we can’t wait to celebrate this year by helping you to fall in love with sleep!

We spend a third of our lives sleeping –so it’s vital that we get quality sleep whenever we can.

That may be the case but just about everybody (yes, even morning people) can appreciate a good night’s sleep. So, it only makes sense to give the people you love most a gift that could help them sleep well this year!

Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser

Essential oil diffusers set the mood for sleeping by releasing your favourite relaxing oils into the air to help you relax and sleep after a long day.

Meditation before sleep

Sleep Works Pillow Spray

The Sleep Works Pillow Spray is a tried and tested sleep spray that sets a peaceful vibe for the nights you find yourself tossing and turning.

A Good Book

Too stressed and can’t sleep? Sinking your teeth into a book offers a relaxing activity to help soothe that temporary insomnia.

Allergies

A Fluffy Dressing Gown

In our opinion, a dressing gown is the most essential element to complete a comfortable-day-spent-in-bed-experience. Netflix anyone?

A New Sleepeezee Bed

We may be a bit biased but our beds offer the perfect sanctuary to help anyone fall in love with sleep. View our latest collection of mattresses and find your nearest retailer today.

A Sleep Mask

Enjoying lazy mornings and being particularly glamorous are not normally mutually exclusive. However, a luxurious eye mask will help your bed-loving friend sleep in even longer!

Sleepeezee Staycool Pillow

Perfect for those of us who just find it too hot at night to sleep. Our Staycool pillow is designed to help you regulate your temperature as you sleep while offering excellent head and neck support.

Sleepeezee Staycool Pillow

A Comfy Set of PJ’s

We are very much part of the wearing pyjamas over regular clothes club – and a new set can help you get a better night’s sleep.

Relax the Mind With a Meditation App

Meditation helps to clear out our thoughts entirely and allows us to go to bed free of the burdens of the day. We fall asleep better when we are not stressed out and when there’s nothing that preoccupies our minds. It’s as simple as that.

Sleepeezee Dog Bed

It’s not just us humans who love to sleep, our dogs love sleep as much as we do! Our luxury dog bed is the only one available on the market that can be washed at 60ºC and you can even personalise the bed by having your pet’s name embroidered on the side!

Sleepeezee Dog Beds

So do you have a friend who demands their beauty sleep? Or did you see something that you thought would be perfect for you? Whatever it is we hope our top 10 gifts help you to fall in love with sleep this Valentine’s Day!

For more sleep tips and to keep up to date with all things Sleepeezee, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.