Had a bad night’s sleep? Can’t seem to break that insomnia pattern? Don’t worry! Louise Mumford, author of the gripping dystopian thriller Sleepless, is here with some top tips to help you through the next day…
1. Think like a Boy Scout and be prepared…
…for the morning that is. Get into a habit of prepping. The night before, lay out an outfit and make a breakfast like overnight oats that can be popped in the fridge and then blearily grabbed and eaten without any thought.
2. Get a gentle wake-up light alarm.
Wake your body up gradually in the morning to avoid feeling like hell. The new generation of alarm clocks use light to ease you smoothly into a new day.
3.Don’t have a lie-in.
It’s tempting to wake up later after a bad night’s sleep, but don’t! This just gets your body clock into a bad habit. Stick to your normal wake-up time.
4. Don’t skip breakfast.
It’s tempting to rush out of the door without it, but if you’re tired your body will crave sugary snacks. Eating a sensible breakfast will help stop this. As well as this, try to eat healthier snacks throughout the day like almonds or rice cakes.
5. Get some fresh air…
…as close to waking up as you can. It will help you feel less like the living dead.
6. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
You are not going to feel your best so perhaps it is not the time to write that important work document or attempt that really hard gym class.
7. Eye drops.
They are vital to stop your eyes feeling as if they have been rolled in sand.
8. Embrace the 3pm slump.
It will happen. You might have to resort to a chocolate bar to feel human again. This is okay, don’t beat yourself up about it.
9. Don’t overdo the caffeine.
It is tempting to mainline coffee to stay alert, but this will do you no favours when you try to get a good night’s sleep the next night. Try a matcha green tea as a gentler alternative.
10. Don’t go to bed earlier.
Try to stick to your normal bedtime, even if you are tired. You will then re-train your body clock back into its usual routine.
Looking for a book to read whilst you’re stuck awake? Louise Mumford is the author of Sleepless,the unputdownable psychological thriller is out in e-book 11th December. Pre-order your copy here.
