The story is sponsored by Hälsa Wellbeing

Friday, March 15 was officially World Sleep Day, and Harrogate-based Hälsa Wellbeing marked the occasion by highlighting the importance of sleep.

It’s no exaggeration to say that sleep is a fundamental part of living. In fact, research revealed that on average an individual spends 26 years asleep.

The same study also found that we spend approximately seven years trying to get to sleep. That’s a lot of time trying to nod off, rather than actually getting well-needed rest.

Tiredness can seep into everyday life and cause innumerable knock-on effects, such as heightened emotions, ailing mental health and poor work performance.

That’s why Hälsa Wellbeing has shared their top three tips to help you hit that optimum seven to nine hours a night.

Enforce some non-negotiable habits

There are some very simple, but effective, habits you can introduce into your bedtime routine to make dropping off to sleep all the smoother.

These could include setting yourself a screen deadline, reading a chapter of a book, or maybe even doing some meditation - whatever works for you.

Sleep loves routine so waking at the same time every day - even at the weekend - can really aid our sleep too.

When we enter a period of insomnia or disrupted sleep it can be tempting to stay in bed much later. However, this actually upsets your sleep pattern, so the advice is often to get up and get plenty of day light.

Consistency is key, and building these habits into part of your nightly wind-down is important in preparing your body, as it can send signals to your brain that sleep is imminent.

Create the right sleep environment

The optimum sleep environment is obviously subjective, but there are still some commonly agreed upon factors which may be able to help.

Generally speaking, it’s easier to drop off to sleep if your room is dark, quiet and well-ventilated.

Using a mobile phone as an alarm clock isn't always advisable either, as we all know phones equal scrolling.

Checking messages, social media and the news last thing at night is not relaxing and adds to the stress of the day, not to mention the disruption the light causes.

Instead, buy yourself an alarm clock and place your mobile at the other side of your bedroom or preferably downstairs.

Invest in some wellness products

Dedicate time to your bedtime routine, and create a wellness moment with the use of sleep products.

Whether it’s a pillow spray, scented candle or essential oils, sometimes introducing a touch of luxury into your routine can help you unwind.

Hälsa’s sister company Hälsa Aromatics sells a range of aromatherapy products to aid relaxation and sleep, such as their popular sleep balm.

What is Hälsa Wellbeing?

Hälsa is a Harrogate-based wellness group, delivering solutions in corporate and clinical organisations, to help create a culture of health and wellbeing, and promote healthy work-life balance.

Categorising these services into four key areas – ‘eat well, feel well, sleep well, think well’ – they operate a less is more approach when it comes to balancing some of the pressure, stress and tension that individuals can face.

Here are just a few examples of the support Hälsa Wellbeing provides:

• Tailored wellbeing programmes


• Wellbeing days and events


• Expert guidance and support


• Complementary therapies


• Wellbeing themed workshops


• Conference support


• A range of online wellbeing services


• Menopause support

Find out more:

Hälsa Wellbeing is located at 29 Hornbeam Square, HG2 8NB. You can get in touch by visiting the website, emailing info@halsawellbeing.com, or calling 03300 552 122.