While the COVID-19 pandemic and enforced lockdown are a source of anxiety and sleep disruption for many, a poll conducted by The French Bedroom Company has revealed that 56% of respondents are getting more sleep as a result of working from home.
Some of the reasons not being in the office is having a positive impact on the amount of sleep we are getting are:
- Not commuting, which reduces stress, saves money and allows for more time with family and for winding down before bed. A recent Swedish study found that commuting more than half an hour to work was associated with a 16% higher risk of sleep problems, which is particularly relevant for those working in London where commutes are on average 48 minutes.
- A healthier diet with reduced sugar intake improves the quality of sleep. According to this 2016 study, people with a higher sugar intake sleep less deeply and wake up more frequently than those with lower consumption.
For those who are struggling with sleep at this time, Carolyn Nicholas, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach at The Perrymount Clinic has the following advice on how to help improve your sleep hygiene.
“Sleep is probably the most underrated part of our lifestyles. If you regularly get less than 7 hours of sleep a night, you might be decreasing your immune system’s ability to keep you healthy. The body repairs itself while you sleep, and we need 7-8 hours per night to make that happen efficiently.
Good sleep hygiene starts before you get into the bed, having a routine of dimming the lights, de-stressing (including deep breathing techniques) and coming off of our screens makes a significant impact on the quality and quantity of our sleep.”
For more information on the French Bedroom Company, visit www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk.
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