Is it just us or is anyone else experiencing poor sleep right now? It feels like the last year has really disturbed sleep patterns and habits for many people, likely down to stress, anxiety and changes in routine. Enough is enough! We want our uninterrupted 8 hours back, please! Whether you’re tossing and turning at night, struggle to drift off or you’re waking up feeling groggy instead of rested, here are some new ways you can improve your sleep that you might not have tried yet.

Struggling to get to sleep? Put on Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, according to new research…
Sleep experts have found Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, completed in 1801 and one of the composer’s most popular piano pieces is the musical soundtrack most likely to send us to sleep at bedtime. Written when the composer was in his early 30s and a favourite even in his own day, the piece was dedicated to Beethoven’s pupil Countess Giulietta Guicciard. Whether she used it as a sleep aid is unknown, but a fifth (20 per cent) of those who took part in smart watch makers, Zepp’s Global Sleep Study, found the track the most sleep-inducing. It also revealed that almost a third (32 per cent) find music helps them drift off.

Disconnect from tech with Morphée…
Morphée is an entirely non-digital, screen-free, portable solution to sleepless nights. The device combines the best of meditation and sophrology to significantly improve the quality of sleep of its users. Designed in collaboration with sleep professionals and having already helped over 100,000 people in France manage their anxiety, stress and insomnia, the audio sleeping aid has recently now launched in the UK. Morphée offers over 200 session combinations inspired by guided meditation and sophrology, which can be listened to before going to bed or when struggling to sleep during the night, via built-in speakers or headphones. The ergonomically-designed device comprises eight different relaxation and sleeping exercises for a total of over 200 combinations of sessions including body scanning, breathing, movement, visualization, and heart coherence. The aim of each is to disconnect from the day, relax the body and soothe the mind; these three elements form the pillars of a fast, deep and restorative sleep.

Make your bedtime read an educational one…
Recognising the sleepless epidemic, now coupled with a viral pandemic, sleep doctor Dr Lindsey Browning’s new book, Navigating Sleeplessness: A Mental Health Handbook, is a must-read. We know opting for a book in favour of one final insta scroll before bed is beneficial for sleep but how about turning that read into an even more beneficial exercise? Dr Lindsay Browning is a psychologist, founder of the specialist sleep clinic, Trouble Sleeping, and has a University of Oxford Doctorate on the link between worry and insomnia. In this book, she reveals how to understand your sleep patterns and find the sleep habits that work for you. Packed with actionable strategies, practical advice and top tips, it’s aim is to help readers cope with sleeplessness, unlearn bad sleep habits and practice self-care to improve sleep.

Soothe WFH eye strain by upgrading your eye mask…
Whether your vision is to walk along a deserted tropical beach, float away on soft fluffy clouds, or just relax in tranquillity and darkness to reset delicate and tired eyes, then Dreamy Eyes is the self-heating eye mask for you. The soothing and relaxing Jasmine scent, combined with the gentle heat and blackout properties, helps to relax tense, tired eye muscles, easing you into a deeper state of relaxation ready for sleep. Ideal for those who struggle to sleep or suffer computer-related eye strain, Dreamy Eyes masks are also great for children who’ve had too much screen time, encouraging relaxing downtime and helping to counteract the effects of eye fatigue. Dreamy Eyes Masks deliver a multi-sensory experience and unlike many other heated masks can be worn all night if desired. Each individual foil-wrapped, vegan-friendly eye mask holds its heat for approximately 25 minutes and includes 85-minutes of free Crystal Sound Healing music to enhance the pampering experience and help rebalance chakras.

Sleep naked according to scientists…
Globally, “how to sleep” is Googled nearly four million times per month! We know certain activities before bed can help relax us, but can we improve our sleep quality with everyday variables such as pyjamas? With so many styles to choose from, experts at TheDozyOwl.co.uk conducted a month-long study, whereby a large pool of 2,680 volunteers worldwide were asked to record their Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep cycles (which should average at 20% to 25%) via a sleep monitor. The study showed that sleeping naked results in a deeper sleep with an average of 26.5% REM sleep which is above the average. Interestingly, the classic t-shirt and trouser combo recorded the least REM sleep at 17.5%. So, perhaps it’s time to ditch the PJs and embrace your birthday suit? We’re definitely giving it a go!

Immerse yourself in all things sleep with Apple Watch…If you already own an Apple Watch then you’ll love this… if you don’t, we think this might be a very convincing reason to get one! If we had to recommend one sleep gadget to invest in, it’s got to be Apple Watch. While many wearable tech devices track sleep, Apple has gone one step further by helping you create a schedule and bedtime routine to meet your sleep goals. The Sleep experience includes bedtime reminders, wake-up alarms, sleep tracking, Sleep Mode, Wind Down, and a view of your sleep trends over time. With AppleFitness+ mindful cooldown routine, Apple Music’s sleep playlists and Apple Podcasts’ newly-launched “For Your Nighttime Routine” collection all connected and integrated into your watch, the idea of totally transforming your wellness routine to help you sleep better has never been easier.

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