Lets talk about sleep
Happy International Sleep Day!
Let’s talk about sleep. That glorious, underrated superpower we all have but don’t use properly. If you’re a teenager, you’re probably sleep-deprived. If you’re a parent, you’re definitely sleep-deprived. And if you’re just a regular person muddling through life, chances are, you’re still not getting enough.
I’ve always been a massive fan of naps (seriously, if napping was an Olympic sport, I’d be bringing home gold for Team GB). But the older I get, the more I realise that sleep isn’t just about catching some shut-eye when you’re exhausted—it’s absolutely essential for our health, brain power, and even our ability to function as human beings.
Matthew Walker, the legendary sleep scientist and author of Why We Sleep, says that “sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day.” Think of it like turning your phone off and on again—it clears out the junk, resets the system, and makes sure everything runs smoothly.
Check out Matthew talking about sleep on this podcast!
For teenagers, sleep is especially crucial. Your brain is still developing, and without enough rest, you’re basically running on fumes. Walker says that sleep helps lock in memories, boosts creativity, and even improves problem-solving skills. So, revising for an exam all night? Bad idea. Sleeping on it? Genius.
So, we know that sleep is basically the secret sauce to a healthier brain, better mood, and all-around better life. But knowing that doesn’t always make it easier to actually get good sleep—especially when late-night scrolling, stress, or just life gets in the way.
The good news? There are plenty of simple ways to improve your sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Nap Smart - Naps are great (I love them!), but keep them short and sweet—10-20 minutes in the afternoon is perfect. Long naps or late-day naps can mess with your nighttime sleep.
Ditch screens before bed - Phones, tablets, and TVs emit blue light, which messes with your melatonin levels (the hormone that makes you sleepy). Try reading a book or listening to calming music instead.
Wind down with a bedtime routine - Your brain needs time to shift from "go mode" to "sleep mode." Try reading, journaling, or listening to a calming playlist. A warm shower or some gentle stretching can also help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Don't forget to dim the lights too!
Food and exercise - What we eat before bed impacts out sleep, try to avoid caffeine and sugar in the evenings to promote a quality sleep. Being active in the day also boosts our sleep!
Your Bed-room - Make sure that your bedroom is a relaxing environment and one which will help you sleep. It should be dark and as quiet as possible. Try not to spend all day in your bedroom or on your bed so that your brain can associate your room with sleep.
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