Do you suffer from sleep troubles or insomnia? You’re not the only one. Approximately 30% to 40% of adults have experienced insomnia symptoms at some point. We chatted to Clarisse Stocker of Lazy Sunday House about natural ways to sleep better.
Lazy Sunday House is a desert gem located in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley. The accommodation boasts a plethora of natural, sustainable goodies and a stunning desert landscape. It was here that Clarisse finally cracked the code that solved her own sleep struggles.
Here are Clarisse’s top five sleeping tips for insomnia:
Do some sleep preparation
Developing a proper wind-down routine before bed is essential for better sleep. Unfortunately, you can’t just hit the hay and expect all your work, social and life commitments to disappear in an instant.
Clarisse recommends doing the following to get better sleep at night:
Define your sleep hours
The average person needs between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Figure out what works best for your body and stick to that—even on weekends.
Cut down on caffeine
If you struggle to sleep, your 5 pm coffee could be the culprit. Try setting a hard stop for drinking coffee so that you aren’t wired at night. Studies suggest that we shouldn’t consume caffeine a minimum of six hours before bed for optimal sleep health.
Stop scrolling
Devices in bed overstimulate the brain and can hinder your sleep preparation. Not to mention artificial light suppresses the sleep hormone melatonin. Try setting your phone on Do Not Disturb for certain hours so that you have some dedicated time to switch off.
Free up mental space
One of Clarisse’s top sleeping tips is to journal all of your worries and to-dos. “I’ve made a habit at the end of my workday to declutter my mental space by writing down everything that’s on my mind at the time,” Clarisse suggests. This should help you to feel refreshed and prepared for the day ahead.
Invest in rest
It’s no secret that your choice of bedding has an impact on your overall sleep experience. “It’s essential to pick breathable sheets that don’t trap heat, in super soft fabric that lulls you into a deep sleep,” says Clarisse.
Try swapping out cotton for naturally thermoregulating and breathable bamboo sheets to sleep cool sleep all night long. If you’re prone to night sweats, pair our Down Alternative Comforter with our Sateen Duvet Cover to quickly wick away any moisture.
Linen sheets are another popular choice for hot sleepers. While linen has a heavier, crisp texture, its breathable weave still allows for maximum airflow, keeping your temperature regulated throughout the night.
Slip into something more comfortable
Sleeping naked is the most natural way to sleep better. But wearing something ultra-soft, comfortable and non-restrictive is the next best option—like your favorite old t-shirt or some silky-soft, airy loungewear.
“Putting on sleepwear helps send a signal to your brain that it is time to rest,” Clarisse suggests. If you tend to overheat at night, you might want to upgrade from your cotton PJs. Cotton traps heat, which can impact your overall sleep quality. Instead, opt for our breathable Sateen Cami and Shortie or Sateen Slip Dress to slip into sleep with ease.
Layer on the comfort
Are you tired of waking up stiff? Often it’s the foundation of your bed that leaves you feeling sore and achy in the morning. Choose the right mattress and pillows for your preferred level of comfort and firmness.
Clarisse recommends Avocado’s 100% vegan and non-toxic mattress and their matching pillows for the ultimate support. “I feel supported and comfortable in every sleeping position, and I no longer have any pain in my hip or back,” Clarisse raves.
Don’t want to invest in a new mattress? You can add an extra layer of comfort to any bed with our hypoallergenic mattress protectors and pillow protectors.
Set the scene for better sleep
It’s so important to create a calm and soothing atmosphere so that you can let go of any tension and stress from the day. Amp up the relaxing vibes by running a bath, lighting some candles or taking a moment to meditate with our calming Lavender Eye Pillow.
Clarisse indulges in aromatherapy, specifically Muse Apothecary’s organic, vegan and chemical-free pillow mist. It “promotes relaxation and reduces the barrier to sleep.”
About Lazy Sunday House
Lazy Sunday House is an eco-friendly haven that promotes the simple pleasures of sustainability and minimalism. With its doors now open to welcome travelers and nature lovers, relish in the comfort of our luxuriously silky sheets featured in this desert sanctuary.
Originally published on: Aug 4, 2021. Updated on March 2, 2022.