TryGOLD- Free

SORT OUT YOUR SLEEP
New UK|February 03, 2025
Not getting enough rest can be detrimental to your health, so try our guide on how to improve your bedtime habits
- Ruth Ramsay
SORT OUT YOUR SLEEP

Modern life is hectic, which can make sleeping well a challenge. Estimates suggest that as many as 51% of UK adults aren't getting enough sleep, averaging under 6.5 hours per night, which can be detrimental to our health and wellbeing.

“Lack of sleep is associated with an increase in many physical health conditions: diabetes, higher blood pressure, weight gain, development of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. It can also affect our looks and skin,” says Dr Kat Lederle, sleep and circadian rhythm specialist at The London General Practice. “Because it affects our ability to think through problems and our decision-making and risk assessment, we are also more prone to accidents when we are sleep deprived.”

But it doesn't stop there. Poor sleep also affects how we feel and how motivated we are to socialise, meaning there might be a connection between poor sleep and loneliness or social withdrawal.

“When we are lacking sleep we become irritable, angry and anxious and experience low mood. Overall, how well we have slept affects how we show up for ourselves and the world around us,” says Dr Lederle.

To ensure sufficient, quality sleep we need to adopt a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful environment. One technique that recently went viral is mouth taping, which involves taping your lips closed to encourage nose breathing while you sleep.

“I guess it’s going viral because if it worked it would be easy to do and its cost-effective,” says Dr Lederle.

“Generally, I would not recommend it due to lack of scientific studies and medical equipment.”

Here are five other techniques that could help improve your sleep...

TALK ABOUT IT

This story is from the February 03, 2025 edition of New UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 03, 2025 edition of New UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView All
'I've worked really hard to learn my craft'
New UK

'I've worked really hard to learn my craft'

Olivia Attwood on making the switch from reality TV to making documentaries about adult content creators

time-read
4 mins  |
February 03, 2025
Divorce talk plagues the Sussexes
New UK

Divorce talk plagues the Sussexes

With Harry and Meghan's relationship under fire again due to a shocking new article, a source tells new how the scrutiny could be affecting the couple

time-read
3 mins  |
February 03, 2025
Becky's CBB ambitions
New UK

Becky's CBB ambitions

new investigates whether a return to reality TV could be on the cards for outspoken WAG Rebekah Vardy in a bid to sway the public's view of her

time-read
3 mins  |
February 03, 2025
BITTER PILL FOR AMANDA
New UK

BITTER PILL FOR AMANDA

Motherland spin-off comedy Amandalandshows the snobby yummy mummy havingto cope with a new life after downsizing

time-read
3 mins  |
February 03, 2025
Pain of murdered girls' parents
New UK

Pain of murdered girls' parents

As the killer of the three children murdered in Southport is sentenced to 52 years in prison, the victims’ parents face a lifetime of grief

time-read
4 mins  |
February 03, 2025
'I found a lump and broke down in tears'
New UK

'I found a lump and broke down in tears'

Model Nicola McLean exclusively tells new about the recent cancer scare that saw her reevaluate her life and vow to put her health first

time-read
3 mins  |
February 03, 2025
'Tom and I still have 'pinch-me' moments'
New UK

'Tom and I still have 'pinch-me' moments'

Love Island: All Stars winner Molly Smith tells new how she and Tom Clare are going from strength to strength – and her thoughts on this year's Islanders

time-read
3 mins  |
February 03, 2025
Man dissolves pregnant wife in a bath of acid
New UK

Man dissolves pregnant wife in a bath of acid

Arnima Hayat had ambitions of becoming a surgeon, but while at medical school she met the man who would cut her life short

time-read
5 mins  |
February 03, 2025
Kerry calls off facelift op
New UK

Kerry calls off facelift op

In an exclusive interview, Kerry Katona tells new she's changed her mind about going under the knife again for now because she's “scared”, and admits her children begged her to cancel the surgery

time-read
3 mins  |
February 03, 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more