Sleep solutions that really work How to get the best sleep of your life

Do you wake feeling refreshed and ready to greet the day? Here’s how to get the best sleep of your life...

Sleep rebuilds us and keeps us young. High-quality sleep fortifies our immune system, balances hormones, boosts metabolism, increases physical energy and improves brain function. But, like everything else in life, sleep patterns change as you age.

“Sleep is an emotional issue,” says The Sleep Geek, James Wilson, “and, while you often get more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and alcohol as you age, you’ve also weathered the worst of the yo-yo hormonal issues around chaotic sleep, life is stable and you have a consistent bedtime routine, so your sleep may actually improve.”

And even if you are one of the 50% of Britons with insomnia, you can learn to sleep better. “Even poor sleepers can improve by getting into the right routine, eating well, exercising mildly and having a relaxing pre-bed routine,” says James. And that means one that is tailored for you. “I find that couples are often attracted to their opposite sleep type, so my advice is not to fight your owl or lark tendencies, but to find a rhythm that works for you.” He also advises not getting anxious on nights when sleep isn’t forthcoming. “Get out of bed and start your relax routine again – you’ll eventually get drowsy.”