Medical Research

It can be hard to sleep when stressed. Senior Sleep Scientist Dr Gemma Paech offers her advice on sleeping during these uncertain times.

• As much as you can, try to keep your bed specifically for sleep – even if you’re in isolation.
• Try to maintain as much of a routine as possible, waking and going to sleep at the same time each day.
• Don’t let your body get out of whack. If you exercise during the day, it’s easier to sleep at night.
• Wind down before you go to bed at night by relaxing and decreasing the level of lighting by switching from overhead lighting to a lamp.
• Most importantly, don’t go to bed just because you’re bored – if you’re not as active, you won’t need as much sleep.

“If you are unwell and you feel tired, it’s acceptable to sleep as much as possible – you might be sleeping for 10 or 12 hours a day so your body recovers. But once you recover, try to get back into a normal routine.”

“It’s normal to feel anxious, and for this to disturb your sleep. But if it’s happening regularly you should speak to your GP.”  For more tips on sleep, read this article by Gemma.

For more information, visit the Sleep Health Foundation’s page