21 January 2024 , 08:00
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If your sleep schedule is all over the place at the moment, the answer to your struggles could be as simple as applying gentle pressure to a specific area of your body.
January is a the worst month for getting proper sleep, with Google searches revealing people aren't happy. Search terms such as 'insomnia,' 'why can't I sleep,' 'sleep music' and 'sleep remedies' all peak in January, according to research by botanical experts Cannabotech.
One reason for this is actually Dry January, as although sleep generally improves after a while, it can be quite rough at the beginning. Lisa Artis of The Sleep Charity, a charity partner of sleep tech firm Simba, explained: "For those taking on Dry January, in the short term, people may find they experience sleep difficulties - in particular, drifting off and staying asleep. If they don’t try to get into new good sleep habits, this could lead to insomnia."
The NHS recommends that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, so it's important to do what we can to get that much-needed rest. But it's not always easy.
Luckily, Lisa has shared a trick that can help you to get to sleep much quicker - and it involves applying gentle pressure to a specific body part. She explained: "Before bedtime, indulge in a warm water foot soak to redirect attention away from sleep-related anxieties. Applying gentle pressure to acupuncture points, like the base of the skull or the inner wrist, can help to stimulate relaxation and support the transition into sleep."
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If you're still struggling with insomnia, Lisa recommends adopting a 'Zero Gravity' sleep position. The sleep expert explained: "NASA scientists discovered that the position not only minimises strain on the spine but also enhances blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and fosters a more comfortable sleep experience.
"Inspired by the neutral body posture assumed by astronauts during space travel, the position involves elevating the legs and slightly reclining the upper body, resulting in a posture that simulates the sensation of weightlessness. Achieve the position by lying flat on your back and raising both your head and feet with pillows slightly above your heart level, so the spine is neutrally aligned."
Will you try any of these tips? Let us know in the comment section below.