Master Grazia’s life skills

The Dalai Lama once said that sleep is the best form of meditation. Modern life means we no longer live according to natural circadian rhythms, the internal pattern that regulates our sleep/wake cycle. Longer working hours and artificial light from our devices confuse the brain and upset the body clock.

Many people don’t realise that getting a good night’s sleep starts during the day. Absorbing enough natural light during the day helps your body to produce melatonin – the natural hormone that aids sleep during twilight hours. At lunchtime, try sitting on a bench with your face towards the sun, even if it’s a cloudy day.

Regularity is also vital for the body. If you’ve got a pattern of waking up in the night, counteract it with a relaxation routine in the evening. Allow yourself a time frame in which to wind down; 90 minutes is ideal and 60 should be the minimum. No emails or Instagram swiping – it’s too stimulating. Stick to a pattern of no light, relaxation and meditation.

Acute insomnia can happen suddenly, and is often linked to a big life event or change. Learning how to process stress can stop it playing on your mind at night. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine in the afternoon as it can linger in your body for up to 12 hours; alcohol also causes you to wake more frequently due to dehydration. Try taking zinc and magnesium to help encourage a deep sleep. Ultimately, getting enough sleep cleanses your brain and improves your skin and energy levels. Every living cell of your body will work better; sleep really is the elixir of life.