Helpful hints for family life How to sleep through cash stress

If you’re worried about bills, food costs or rent hikes, you may be struggling to switch off and sleep.

Nearly one in five of us have lost sleep over surging prices in recent months.

With the extra pressure of budgeting for rising living costs, how can we make sure we are getting a good night’s sleep to deal with these growing issues?

1. Set firm boundaries

Having firm boundaries in place might help your sleep cycle, and you might want to set aside a period of time before bed to not think or do anything related to money. Dr Deborah Lee, medical writer at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, says: ‘It’s so easy – especially when consumed by money worries – to obsess about it around the clock. Make sure you ‘clock off’ in the evenings, to ensure you get enough sleep.’

2. Practise mindfulness

Focusing on your breathing may help to calm your body and aid sleep.

Lee says: ‘Think of your five senses one by one. Take a minute to concentrate on each one. Hearing – can you hear three different sounds? Vision – can you see three different colours? Taste – can you taste three different flavours? Smell – can you smell three different smells? Feel – can you feel three different sensations?’

Aside from breathwork, Abdullah Boulad, behavioural specialist and CEO of The Balance, recommends ‘taking a 30-60 minute walk, especially before going to sleep’.

3. Journal your worries away – or at least quiet them a little

If you have a thousand money-related thoughts going through your brain when your head hits the pillow, journaling may help rationalise your fears and gain clarity on complex issues.

Lee says: ‘Writing a nightly journal of 10-20 minutes before turning off the light can help park your worries. Several studies have shown expressive writing before sleep can help you sleep better.’