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Sleep Tips

How to Protect Yourself from “Burnout”

From back to back meetings to busy family schedules, our day to day lives can often feel overwhelming and this can play havoc with our sleep – we all know the feeling!

This is called ‘burnout’, and the exhaustive nature of this can be much more serious than you think.

Most of us will try to soldier on regardless of how tired we are, however doing so puts you at risk of limiting your daily productivity.

Burnout

So, do you feel like you’re suffering from burnout? Follow these simple steps below to help take care of your mind and body:

Know when to switch off your computer:

Sometimes we are so busy that we forget to take much-needed breaks throughout the day. We would advise taking regular technology and work-free breaks, particularly at lunchtime, as this enables you to rest during the day.

Take time to yourself, at work and at home:

After a long day at work, it is important that you relax and unwind in a comfortable setting. Treat yourself to a lovely dinner, watch an episode of your favourite series on Netflix or read a good book before bed. Calming activities such as these will help your brain to relax and recover.

Take care of your mind and body:

Regular exercise helps to keep your mind sharp and is also a great way to blow off steam. Whether you’re a gym regular or simply enjoy a long walk, make sure you get moving!

Reward yourself:

Last but not least… you should treat yourself every so often! Whether it be a nice dinner, new clothes or even letting yourself have the ultimate lazy day in your Sleepeezee bed – you will thank yourself later!

Which one of these tips is your favourite? Implementing these simple tips into your daily routine will help ensure that you don’t suffer from burnout.

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Health and Wellbeing

Our Top 5 Essential Oils To Help You Sleep Better

Lack of sleep is a problem for many, but essential oils can help!

Not only do these natural ingredients smell amazing, but their benefits go beyond their lovely scent. These incredible concoctions provide an all-natural alternative to your average sleep supplement. They help to promote sleep, diminish anxiety, lower blood pressure and relieve stress.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite essential oils below. Tried and tested, these will help you to achieve a much better night’s sleep.

Essential Oils & Sleep

Valerian

First up is Valerian oil – this natural ingredient will improve the quality of your sleep. Renowned for its calming properties, valerian oil will help you to unwind before bedtime and can ease symptoms of insomnia!

Chamomile

One of the most popular natural sedatives, Chamomile deserves a worthy place in our top five essential oils for sleep list. Chamomile has been used for centuries and is one of the common prescribed natural ingredients for easing insomnia.

Ylang ylang

Ylang-ylang flowers produce an essential oil that is effective in reducing hypertension because of its sedative properties. This can make it easier for you to drift off to sleep and can also alleviate stress and anxiety.

Cedarwood

Another soothing oil for sleep, cedarwood has a deep, woody aroma that is perfect in a diffuser. Cedarwood can help to relieve tension and is proven to be as effective as a sedative in helping you to drift off!

Lavender

Last but not least, this list wouldn’t be complete with lavender oil. Lavender is believed to slow down your nervous system and decrease your heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn helps you to fall into a deep sleep more quickly. Simply add a couple of drops to a bath and you have the perfect formula to relax and unwind after a long day.

Essential Oils Relax

So if you’re looking for natural ingredients that will promote a healthier sleep, we couldn’t recommend the above oils enough.

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Uncategorised

Does Alcohol Have An Effect On My Sleep?

An evening tipple (or two) may be tempting at the end of a long day, but do you know how much of an impact it can have your sleep?

Here’s what happens – behind closed eyes – when you fall asleep after drinking…

Alochol & Sleep

Reduction in deep sleep:

Drinking alcohol before bedtime is linked with a reduction in deep sleep, which helps with memory formation and learning.

It can interrupt your circadian rhythm:

Whilst you may fall asleep quicker after drinking, it also becomes more likely that you will wake up in the middle of the night. This is because alcohol affects the production of chemicals in the body that trigger sleep. After you’ve consumed alcohol, these chemicals subside quicker, making you more likely to wake up before you’ve truly rested!

It blocks REM sleep:

Rapid Eye Movement Sleep, or REM sleep, is often considered the most restorative type of sleep. When we enter REM sleep, your eyes move back and forth behind the eyelids and your heart rate and breathing quickens. During this phase of sleep, you’re more likely to be dreaming as well. Alcohol consumption is known to block REM sleep, and this can leave you feeling tired the next day no matter how long a lie-in you have!

It makes you snore:

Alcohol causes your whole body to relax, including the muscles in your throat. This makes you more prone to snoring and sleep apnea.

It can lead to extra bathroom trips:

As you unwind each evening, your body knows that it is time for sleep, and not time for trips to the bathroom. Alcohol, a diuretic, encourages the body to lose extra fluid through sweat and trips to the bathroom, interrupting your normal sleep pattern and leaving you dehydrated.

Sleep alcohol

 

With all of this in mind, we would always recommend that you stick to the recommended units each week. We want you to get the best night’s sleep possible, and so by simply reducing your alcohol intake throughout the week, you can significantly improve the quality of your sleep.

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Sleep Stats

10 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Sleep

We spend more than a one third of our lives asleep, but most of what we know about sleep has only been discovered in the last 24 years.

Scientists and researchers all over the globe are learning more and more about sleep every day (and night), teaching us things we never even dreamed about.

As such we’re constantly stumbling across facts that we didn’t even know about.

So we’ve put together a list of the 10 most interesting and surprising facts we’ve seen about sleep that you may not have known!

10 Fascinating Facts About Sleep

 

1. Did you know that 12% of people dream entirely in black and white, but before colour television was introduced, only 15% of people dreamt in colour!

 

2. The record for the longest period someone has gone without sleep is 11 days, this was set by a Californian student, Randy Gardner, in 1964. This is something we would definitely not recommend trying!

 

3. We’ve all no doubt found it tricky getting out of bed every now and again, but those suffering from Dysania find it particularly difficult. Dysania  is the state of finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning.

 

4. The sensation of falling when half asleep and then jerking yourself awake is known as a ‘hypnic jerk’.

 

5. Sleep deprivation will kill you more quickly than food deprivation.

 

6. Sea otters hold hands when they sleep so that they don’t drift away from each other – how cute!

 

7. Humans are the only mammals that willingly delay sleep.

 

8. 1 in 4 married couples sleep in separate beds.

 

9. On average, dogs spend 12 to 14 hours a day sleeping; however, puppies can spend up to 20 hours asleep! Help them achieve the perfect night’s sleep with our new Sleepeezee pet bed.

 

10. Tiredness peaks twice a day, at 2am and 2pm. This is why you’re less alert after lunch.

 

Did you learn something new? 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.

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Sleep Tips

How Long Can You Go Without Sleep?

In this day and age, our hectic schedules can make getting a great night’s sleep even more difficult.

Whether you’re stressed at work, out celebrating with friends or perhaps you’re binge-watching a new Netflix series, there are so many factors which can contribute to keeping you up later each evening.

But how long can you keep this up and what happens to us the longer we stay awake? As sleep enthusiasts (8 sold hours a night and nothing less please!) we definitely do not recommend regularly staying up late every night.

How Long Can You Go Without Sleep?

Have you ever wondered how long you can stay awake for? The world record is a horrifying 264 hours… that’s just a little more than 11 days! We absolutely would not recommend trying this.

In 1964, a high school student, Randy Gardner, tested the limits of his body and mind by staying awake for as long as he possibly could (for a high school science experiment). Apparently, Gardner went 264 hours without sleeping, which remains as the official world record that was ever scientifically documented.

We couldn’t think of anything worse!

How Long Can You Go Without Sleep Before You Are Affected?

1 day: the negative effects of sleep deprivation often take 24 hours to appear.

After just 24 hours without sleep, you will start to notice a lag in concentration, your memory will falter, your stress levels will rise and so will your blood pressure. Your judgment will be affected, your decision-making will become sloppy, and you are likely to experience a decline in hand-eye coordination.

Some say this is equivalent to the effects of 3 glasses of wine and that’s only 24 hours in!

2 days: 48 hours in and your body is not coping well! You are likely to experience black outs, have a weaker immune system and you will constantly feel cold as your body is now working overtime to keep everything functioning.

3 Days: If you’ve made it to 72 hours without sleep you’ll be experiencing the worst effects of sleep deprivation. This includes hallucinations, which are happening due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Coupled with lack of motivation, perception and concentration we doubt anyone would be functioning normally right now!

4+ Days: Highly not recommended! Coupled with all off the above, you will now also be experiencing communication problems, heart palpitations and even paranoia.  We couldn’t think of anything worse and are entirely thankful each day we get to go home and sleep on a Sleepeezee mattress!

We understand how busy life can be, but please don’t intentionally delay your sleep! Treat yourself to a long and restful sleep each night and you will reap the benefits, both physically and mentally.

Remember Everything Is Easy When You Sleepeezee!

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Lifestyle

Sleepeezee’s Top 4 Summer Bedroom Trends

Summer is here and it just so happens that August is our favourite month!

Whilst most of you will be distracted by fantastic holiday destinations and an array of summer celebrations, your home also deserves some love and attention too!

If you’re thinking about your next decorating project but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve compiled this season’s hottest summer bedroom trends below:

Feminine Tones

Add a subtle feminine touch to your bedroom this season by choosing a palette of dusty pinks, blush tones and metallic accents. Warm and inviting, these colours will instantly update an otherwise neutral scheme. As such, we’ve made sure to include these tones in our latest photography shoot!

Soft Tropics

For a room that won’t go unnoticed, look to tropical-inspired homewares and accessories. Bold wallpapers are going from strength to strength this season, as tropical-inspired prints bring a burst of energy into any room, big or small. This uplifting trend helps to connect us back to nature, and this is something that we champion throughout our Pure collection. Expertly crafted by our team, we’ve sourced only the finest natural fillings – including British wool and cashmere – for our luxurious Pure mattresses.

Refined Glamour

The summer we’ve definitely noticed that glam is less sheen and more sophisticated. Luxury materials such as marble and velvet are beautifully mixed together to create fine decorative details that will bring a touch of magic to your bedroom. We love this trend, and our fabrics and divans reflect this as they radiate decadence.

Geometric Patterns

If you’re looking to bring a contemporary edge to your bedroom, look no further than geometric detailing. Updating your bedroom by adding defined repeating shapes can be soothing and reassuring to the eye as they create a sense of order. Using geometric patterns to accentuate the focal point of your room will instantly draw your eye, especially if you dare to combine it with colour like below – and who doesn’t want their bed to be the star of the room?

Any one of these trends is sure to transform your bedroom this season, and if you’re feeling particularly brave, why not mix it up and combine some of them?

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

 

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Uncategorised

In It for the Long Haul? How to Beat the Summer Jet Lag

Summer is finally here and this means that most of us are busy planning our dream holidays.

Whilst we all long for sun-kissed holidays, a long haul flight can often lead to jet lag – which plays havoc with our sleep!

If you’re flying long haul this summer, we’ve rounded up some simple ways to help you combat jet lag symptoms below.

What Causes Jetlag?

Jet lag encompasses a range of symptoms that we experience when adapting to a different time zone. There are 24 different time zones in the world and once you cross them, your body’s 24-hour clock is disrupted.

In simple terms, jet lag is when your body clock struggles to match the time zone of your chosen holiday destination. Symptoms usually include insomnia, daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and even mood swings.

How to Treat Jet lag

While it isn’t possible to prevent jet lag, there are a few ways to help reduce its effects:

Prepare your body – Before a flight, you can try to prepare your body clock by slowly changing your sleep pattern. For example, if you’re travelling east, start waking up and going to bed earlier than you usually would, so the time difference won’t shock your body as much. If you’re travelling west, go to bed and get up a little bit later.

Avoid napping – As tempting as it might be to have a quick snooze when you land, it’s best to stay awake until its night time in your new destination. While it may be difficult to stay awake, it will help your body to adjust quicker. If you’re still struggling to stay awake throughout the day, have a coffee!

Live like a local – It’s also advised that you adjust other habits to match the time zone of your new destination. This means eating at the correct times of the country you’re in and not the times you would normally back at home.

Step Outside – Finally, spend time outdoors! Natural daylight can help your body to adjust to its new time zone quicker.

Trying out these tips is easy and reducing the symptoms of jet lag means giving yourself the chance to enjoy your holiday as much as possible!

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.

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Sleep Tips

Do You Want To Know How To Achieve The Perfect Sleep Environment?

During the warmer months, the heat can play havoc with our sleep. Therefore, falling asleep in a smooth and efficient manner can often feel like a cause for celebration.

When it comes to preparing your body for rest, it is so important create the ideal bedtime routine and also a sleep environment that is soothing enough to rest in.

If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep each night, we’ve provided some useful tips below to help you achieve the perfect sleep environment at home.

Finding the Right Temperature

Hot, cold and draughty rooms can seriously impact your sleep. Your body temperature peaks in the evening and then drops to its lowest levels when you’re asleep, so a cool 16-18°C is thought to be an ideal temperature for your bedroom. Temperatures over 24°C are likely to impact your sleep and so it is ideal to invest in a fan during the warmer months.

Turn the Lights Out

When we see light, our bodies assume it’s time to wake up. When it’s dark, our bodies release melatonin, which helps us to drift off. If you’re a light-sleeper and those bright summer mornings wake you up easily, it might be time to consider investing in an eye mask or even black out curtains.

Quiet Please

It goes without saying that loud noises can interrupt our sleep. One of the best ways to combat this is with double glazing, as it muffles sounds from outside. However you can also use foam ear plugs, which are particularly effective in the summer months when you are more likely to have the windows open each night.

Comfort Is Best

Your bed is by far the most significant element of a good night’s sleep. It is near impossible to get a good night’s rest on an old and uncomfortable bed. Mattresses that lack comfort, space and support are likely to leave you waking up tired and achy, and will also have a significant impact on your partner’s sleep too.

So why let an old mattress get in the way of the best quality night’s sleep that you deserve?

We believe that no one person is the same and each of our mattresses will suit your individual needs, budget and lifestyle requirements. You should select the best mattress FOR YOU, offering the correct support and comfort levels.

Remember Everything Is Easy When You Sleepeezee….

The good news is at Sleepeezee, we offer a wide range of mattresses designed to give every individual the perfect night’s sleep and we have our dedicated ‘build a bed’ function to help you narrow down your selection. View our full range of mattresses here and visit your nearest retailer to purchase your next mattress.

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.

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Lifestyle

Sleepeezee’s Top 5 Places to Sleep When You Travel Abroad This Summer

With summer well underway, it’s only natural to be busy planning a holiday!

There are so many destinations to visit, along with new experiences to seek. However when it comes to deciding where to go and stay, this can often be difficult when there is so many options.

This year, we’re daydreaming about alternative holiday destinations that offer incredible experiences whilst you’re abroad.

From beds under the stars, to gravity defying treehouses, we’ve rounded up our top 5 incredible places to sleep abroad this summer.

Chill Out At the Ice Hotel

Keep your cool this summer at the world’s first hotel made of ice and snow, the ICEHOTEL.

Located in the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi, this hotel is definitely one for adventurous individuals.The rooms in this Arctic accommodation hold a temperature of around -5 to -8 degrees Celsius and are also made entirely of ice.

However if an ICEHOTEL is too cold for you, our Cooler Supreme mattress is the perfect alternative.Ice Hotel

Stay for the Northern Lights

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a Narnian dream turned into a reality.

This hotel is hidden deep within the Arctic Wilderness and is almost at the Northern most tip of mainland Europe.

Awaiting you is a heated igloo with a transparent ceiling – the perfect room to sit back and relax within as you watch the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights

Magic Mountain Lodge

Montaña Mágica Lodge is located in southern Chile and is a literal mountain.

Covered in rainforest moss and vines, this manmade volcano-like structure spews water and is only accessible by a monkey bridge.

If this isn’t sufficiently magical and surreal enough, outside are hot tubs, carved from hollowed out tree trunks, with ideal vantage points for wildlife sightings.

One glance at Magic Mountain Lodge, and you’ll be wondering if this is a real hotel or a set built for The Hobbit.

Magic Mountain

Sleep Underwater

Utter Inn or in English – Otter Inn, is an art project by Mikael Genberg that offers underwater accommodation to the public.

Utter Inn is a Swedish cabin whose only room is underwater – for an experience out of the ordinary this is a must to try.

Utter Inn

Secret Treehouse Escapes

If you loved nothing more than climbing trees when you were a child, you’ll be pleased to know that tree-top holidays are a real thing!

Australia’s Blue Mountains feature a few secluded yet luxurious secret treehouses which are perfect for those who are looking for some adventure – we’re sold.

Secret Tree House

These are just a few of our favourite alternative accommodations we’ve seen this year, but at the end of the day, there is no place like your own bed!

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.