Sleep is important to our health, looks, motivation and mood, but so many of us don’t get anywhere near enough. Out with the old health trends and in with the new: the wellbeing buzz topic of 2017 has been deemed ‘clean sleeping’. The term was coined (and hashtagged) by Gwyneth Paltrow in her new book Goop Clean Beauty, in which she suggests an array of sleep solutions which include meditation, massage, fasting and even copper pillows. We thought these sounded a little complicated so we have put together five easy steps to ensure you get your much needed eight hours of shut eye.

1) Go Easy on the Eyes 

Unsurprisingly crucial to a good night’s sleep is the dark. Our eyes are sensitive and can be stimulated by light even when they are closed. An easy way to solve this is with an eye mask, like this silk gingham version from HVN, not only does this actually work but it looks good too!

2) There’s an App for That

For technology addicts, here is a way to use your phone even when you’re unconscious. There are many Apps that play white noise, relaxing sounds and even hypnosis on loop while you snooze. Or, if you don’t wish to be plugged in 24/7, use Sleep Bot. The free App uses sound to log your movements in a graph and lets you suss out any patterns. You can set a warning alarm to ensure that you maintain a strict bedtime schedule – because repetition and routine is key to a healthy sleep cycle.

3) Banish the Blue Screen

Or, better yet, swap the phone for a book. The blue screen from technology suppresses melatonin (the sleep inducing hormone). Try switching off one-hour before bed and tune into a comforting book instead – not a thriller – that will lull you into a relaxed state of mind before bed (and better your brain too).

4) Lay on the Lavender

For those who have no trouble getting off to sleep but do struggle to stay that way, try lavender. The scent is scientifically proven to induce a deeper sleep so This Works have produced a range of products infused with the stuff. Spray their Deep Sleep Pillow Spray on your pillow before you go to bed, let the sweet aromas fill your nostrils and drift deep into dream world.

5) Snooze in Style

And what would a bedtime routine be without pyjamas cute enough for Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Look to natural fibres that enable the skin to breath and ensure maximum comfort. These silk pyjamas by Katie Eary will ease any sleeping performance anxiety you have with their sheer chicness. Sweet dreams!

Text by Abigail Southan