
As my children have grown, getting enough sleep has become increasingly important for all of us. Between working full time, parenting and running the house, I need good rest to keep up with everything.
I sleep year‑round under a duvet, so it has to work in both winter and summer. I use the Simba Hybrid duvet, a 10.5 tog that also regulates temperature by wicking away excess heat. It’s clever — my husband sleeps hot while I feel the cold, and this duvet suits us both.
A warm drink before bed can help you relax. Options like warm milk, Ovaltine or chamomile tea are soothing and warming. Avoid caffeinated drinks close to bedtime, as they can interfere with sleep.
If your mind is buzzing, try a 15‑minute “brain dump.” Writing down your thoughts for a short time is surprisingly calming and can lighten your mental load, making it easier to fall asleep.
Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice focused on balance and harmony, can also help. Creating symmetry in the bedroom and reducing sharp corners can make the space feel safer and more comforting as you wind down — there are some good tips on the Simba website.
Air‑purifying plants in the bedroom have helped me sleep better, especially with dust allergies. Plants like peace lily and aloe vera can remove certain toxins and raise humidity slightly, which may reduce skin irritation while you sleep.
Sustainability matters too. Choosing the right mattress and recycling or donating the old one reduces environmental impact; some companies, including Simba, offer mattress collection. Knowing I’m being more sustainable even helps me sleep easier.
In the UK last year, 24% of discarded mattresses were recycled.
I’ve also written before about helping children sleep — setting a bedtime routine and blocking out light pollution are two simple, effective steps.