I was fascinated to read a new bit of research published in August, when so many of our students were off camping. Sadly I don’t think festival camping will count, but if you were in the outback, somewhere with minimal night lights and sitting by the camp fire, then well done!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23530408

 

It seems that living by the maxim “up when it’s light and asleep when it’s dark” is based in science… it’s one of the pieces of advice we give our students who suffer from insomnia, along with;

 

• Avoid napping in the day
• Avoid alcohol/ caffeine 4-6 hours before bed time
• Exercise regularly, but not just before bed
• Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time, every day
• Block out light/ noise as much as possible
• Don’t use the bedroom as an office or place of work
• If you cannot sleep having woken in the middle of the night, then after 20mins get up and do a quiet activity, have a bath etc before going back to bed and trying again.

 

If your insomnia persists then please come and talk to a doctor.

What I like about the camping research is that it is so simple and pares back all the stuff we do to ourselves that stops us sleeping, so that within just a few days of a simple routine being followed sleep returns.

 

Good sleep habits are vital for our wellbeing, health and mood. If you are suffering, then please come and see us.