It's not good for our in-built sleep timer
With winter on its way, some people might be tempted to sleep with the central heating on to keep warm during the night – but new research has found that it might not be good for our health.
According to doctors, falling asleep with the heating on can result in a restless night's sleep as our bodies can overheat much more quickly. As well as not being able to sleep soundly, it may also be causing our skin to appear dry, red and itchy the following morning.
In fact, doctors recommend that, in order for us to fall asleep faster and deeper, it's better to have a slightly cooler room so our brain temperature can remain lower than the rest of our body. This helps the 'circadian timer' in our brains function most efficiently.
According to scientists from the University of Southern Australia, those who suffer from insomnia typically have a higher temperature when they first go to bed — meaning that they are finding it difficult to nod off.
Dr Cameron Van den Heuvel told Yahoo UK: "This results in a state of heightened arousal that prevents them from falling asleep when they go to bed, probably because they have to wait for their bodies to lose the heat that's keeping them awake.
"We're only talking about a half to one degree [Celsius] (32.9°F-to-33.8°F) but that small temperature change can result in significant differences in arousal between insomniacs and people without sleeping problems."
The 21 best products to help you sleep
Badger Balm Sleep Balm
Rub this certified organic soothing lavender and bergamot scented balm on your temples, face, neck or the pulse points at bedtime and prepare to drift off to blissful sleep.
Jasmine Silk pillowcase
Ideal for relief from itchy skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema, silk has been proven to stop your face and hair from drying out and keep you cool, so switch your cotton pillowcases for this luxurious 100% 19 Momme silk pillowcase and prepare to sleep like a baby.
Sleepy Cow Tea
A dreamy concoction of calming chamomile, soothing lemon and marjoram designed to help you catch some zeds, put the kettle on and brew yourself a little beauty sleep with this limited edition Cowshed sleepy tea.
Sound Oasis White Noise Machine
If you're a light sleeper and struggle to drift off, utilise the power of white sound to relax your brain and help you get to sleep! Ideal for both adults and babies, thanks to 10 different sounds this gadget will transform your quality of sleep.
Scentered Sleep Well Therapy Balm
A soothing floral blend of Lavender, Chamomile, Palmarosa, Ho Wood, Bois de Rose and Geranium with oriental notes of Ylang Ylang, Clove and Patchouli, this lovely balm is designed to quieten your mind and relax your body, so you can get some shut-eye.
BOSE nosie-masking sleepbuds
The ultimate in cutting-edge sleep technology, Bose® Sleepbuds™ deliver soothing sounds to block out night-time noises and help you fall (and stay) asleep. They've been specifically designed to stay in place all night long, allowing you a restful night's sleep.
Feather & Down Pillow Spray
Research shows that lavender increases the type of brain waves associated with relaxation. Spray this gentle infusion of Lavender and Chamomile essential oils on your pillow at night to reduce an anxious mind and aid a restful night’s sleep.
Pluggerz Sleep earplugs
Thanks to a filter designed to remove background noise without completely blocking your ear (so you can still hear important sounds like your alarm clock or kids) these earplugs are made of durable and flexible hypoallergenic silicone that keeps its shape.
Snoreeze snoring relief
Does your partner snore like a tractor? The Snoreeze Oral Device is a boil-and-bite mouthguard designed to block out loud snoring. It works by gently holding the jaw in position to open the airway and enable easy breathing (and a good night's kip).
Casper Memory Foam Mattress
A mattress may seem like a big investment, but it's worth it for a good night's sleep! Thanks to pressure-relieving memory foam and a springy, breathable top layer, the Caspar mattress will leave you feeling supported and weightless, perfect for a dreamy sleep.
MUTE snore less nasal device
Another one for the snorer in your life, this nasal dilator is a soft, pliable polymer stent that increases the volume of air travelling through the nose during sleep, alleviating congestion – to help stop snoring and let you sleep like a baby.
Weighted blanket
If you struggle to get to sleep, this weighted, sensory blanket is for you! It feels like a warm, big hug that has been designed to calm your body, increasing your natural production of serotonin and melatonin and reducing stress and anxiety. Bliss...
Puressentiel Rest & Relax Air spray
Packed with 12 essential oils to aid restful sleep, this 100% natural air spray with soothing, relaxing and comforting properties promotes natural relaxation, so you can focus on a good night's sleep.
Mack's Slim Fit Ear Plugs
Perfect for the restless sleeper, these slim-fit earplugs have been moulded with super low-pressure, skinned and tapered foam to provide comfort and improved hygiene, leaving you to concentrate on getting some much needed shut-eye.
Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
This fast-acting pillow spray helps to reduce sleep associated anxiety and aid shut-eye at bedtime, allowing you to fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed. Simply spritz it on your pillow and prepare to drift off to blissful snooze.
Lumie Bodyclock Wake-Up Light
The Grand Daddy of sleep gadgets, the Lumie Bodyclock alarm clock wakes you with a natural, gradually brightening light similar to sunrise, helping you feel refreshed, alert and energised all day long. What's not to love?
Tisserand Sleep Better
A delicious blend of Orange, Petit grain and Coriander essential oils, utilise the power of aromatherapy and roll this three step sleep ritual on your pulse points at bedtime for a blissful night's kip.
Simba Hybrid® Pillow with OUTLAST®
It's a little known fact that temperature plays a vital role in sleep quality. The Simba Hybrid Pillow comes with Outlast technology to regulate your body temperature by absorbing and releasing heat, keeping your pillow at the perfect temperature through the night.
RESCUE Night Liquid Melts 28 capsules
If you're plagued with a monkey mind and struggle to drift off to sleep, simply place Liquid Melt on your tongue at night. The unique combination of RESCUE essences plus Bach Original Flower Essence will aid a relaxed mind and restful sleep.
SleepPhones Wireless Headphones
If you're a restless sleeper but earplugs don't work for you, this blocks out noise by playing your favourite tunes or cool soothing meditation sounds and sleep-enhancing rhythms, enabling you to drift off naturally to sleep.
Lifemax Soothing Sounds Dial
If you struggle with tinnitus or live in a noisy neighbourhood, this clever white noise machine has been designed to help you relax and unwind, thanks to soothing nature sounds to relieve stress and ease insomnia.
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