How to create a sleep sanctuary in your own home

Discover the secret to those elusive eight hours by upgrading your night-time routines

The benefits of a good night’s kip are well-known – from reducing stress and brain fog, to improving mood and boosting your immune system – but sometimes achieving the recommended seven-to-nine hours’ sleep can feel impossible. Want to know how to sleep better? Us too.

Transforming your bedroom to become a tranquil space where you can properly switch off – as opposed to somewhere you watch TV or check emails – will boost your chances of having a restful, restorative sleep. Here’s what you need to consider to create your very own sleep sanctuary, plus a few new rituals to boost wellbeing.

Blocking out light isn’t just for babies. To avoid being woken early – especially in the summer months – use blackout curtains or blinds, or an eye mask. In the hour before bedtime illuminate your space with soft lighting, such as a lamp with a warm-toned bulb, and keep room temperature on the cool side, using a fan if needed. A tidy bedroom enhances feelings of calm, so keep clutter at a minimum, and think about reducing external stimulation by blocking out sounds with relaxing music or white noise. Scent can powerfully affect your state of mind too, so adjust the mood with candles, diffusers or pillow sprays – but be sure to blow out any flames long before you shut your eyes.

Beautifully soft to the touch and luxurious on your skin, brushed cotton bedsheets have the power to transform your entire bedtime experience. What kind of sleeper are you? Bedding is deeply personal, so try to figure out whether you want clever cooling tech or cosy-making options, then upgrade your mattress, pillows and duvet accordingly. Our Partners are experts on all things sleep, especially mattresses, so book a free appointment and you’ll be drifting off effortlessly…

Better sleep begins with a soothing, familiar pre-bed routine. We might know that scrolling impacts shut-eye, but having your phone beside you on the bedside table creates temptation. Commit to a pre-bed digital detox: put your phone in another room to charge and invest in an old-school alarm clock. Screen-free rituals, such as gentle yoga poses or stretching, meditation, journalling or reading, will help you wind-down and prepare for rest. Or try a long soak in the bath, followed by your skincare routine.