BalanceOctober2016 - 41

the guide rebalance Six ways to a better sleep TOTA L DA RKNE SS Otis Batterbee Cobalt Cravat eye mask S L E EP L IK E T HE E LI T E Sleep by Nick Littlehales Each eye mask comes infused with a pinch of sleep-enhancing lavender, and is designed to completely block out light. It's a must-have for frequent flyers who want to sleep stylishly, but it'll help anyone who finds it difficult to switch off from external disturbances and wind down. (£50, otisbatterbee.com) Having crafted sleep regimes for Manchester United and Arsenal footballers, Nick Littlehales is something of a guru in the sporting world. In his new book, out this month, Nick advises on everything from the best bedding and room temperature, to how to achieve optimum performance thanks to improved sleep. (£9.99, Penguin) WIN! AN EVE MAT TRESS SLE E P SCI E N CE eve mattress MIND OVER MATTER 7 Days of Sleep app If you find it hard to switch off at night, this programme of guided meditations will release lingering tensions and give you a better night's rest. For those new to mindfulness, there's a free introductory meditation programme. (from £3.76 per month, calm.com) edia Visit balance.m for more information The coolest (literally) mattress on the market has revolutionary memory foam that provides support while letting air flow through. It ensures you get the comfort and support needed for the best sleep of your life. We've teamed up with eve (evemattress.co.uk) to give one lucky Balance reader a chance to win one (worth £349)! RISE WITH THE SUN Lumie Bodyclock Active 250 This alarm clock mimics the sunrise and uses light to stimulate the body to produce cortisol. Sleep and wake cycles are regulated by light, and many people feel less energised and productive during winter when the days are shorter. The Bodyclock gives you a natural awakening, while the audio options make it an allpurpose bedroom light. (£99.95, lumie.com) SUPERC HA RG E YOURSELF The Human Charger Plugging gadgets into your ears to transmit light to your brain might sound like something from a sci-fi film, but Finnish scientists Juuso Nissila and Antti Aunio's invention does just that. The earbuds, which look like headphones, transmit UV -free light down the ear canal, boosting serotonin levels and helping you feel less sluggish when you wake. (£98.95, amazon.co.uk) LO S ING SLEEP by Bernadette Russell I'm familiar with waking up before the birds, never to return to sleep, then stumbling through the day with a tiny, invisible pixie tugging at the bottom corner of my eyelid (if you've had a stretch of sleeplessness you'll know that pixie). BE KIND at BEDTIME I've tried all the cures: meditation, lavender oil, a self-imposed ban on electronics after 6pm. childcare or work would normally get you up. Have a day in bed. F IND THE TIME You can return this kindness; if someone you know just doesn't get enough shut-eye, offer to give them a lie in by taking their tasks off their hands. If you still can't sleep, try to rest, think about what makes you happy and set yourself a HELP EAC H OTHER But I don't think it matters when we sleep, as long as we do it. So when you're tired, if possible, sleep then. On your days off, get your partner /flatmate /friend to allow you to sleep in by taking over whatever chores, October 2016 BALANCE promise to make time for those activities. We are under so much pressure to be busy, no wonder it is hard to stop, as if sleeping isn't important - when it is essential for our wellbeing and sanity. Sweet dreams x bernadetterussell.com @betterussell Tweet your kindness adventures #Bekind 41 http://www.otisbatterbee.com http://www.lumie.com http://evemattress.co.uk http://www.calm.com http://amazon.co.uk http://www.bernadetterussell.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of BalanceOctober2016