The secret to better sleep
Published on the first Wednesday of the month, the 'Sleep and Dream with Vinny & Cate' podcast aims to explore all aspects of our slumber. With the help of expert voices, they delve into topics like sleep apnoea and dream translation. However, for the many of us who struggle with sleep issues, how do we improve it?
How to get the best night’s sleep – top tips
Having a regular routine helps to improve sleep. A good sleep routine should include having a set time to start winding down - and a way to relax is also important. Ideally, a sleep routine should be the same every day and this includes weekends.
Relax, unwind and try sleep meditation. Your sleep routine starts before you get into bed, so it is recommended that you build in time every evening to relax. It is best to try to avoid electronic devices at least an hour before bed. This is because mobiles, tablets and computers all throw out blue light that stops sleep. Reading, listening to soft music or sleep meditation can all help if you have trouble sleeping.
Vinny Hurrell & Cate Conway present the programme and both need their sleep! Do not be fooled by this picture
How to improve our sleep hygiene…
Dream psychologist Ian Wallace often joins Vinny & Cate on the programme. He outlined how to improve your sleep hygiene.
"The best thing to do is to make your bedroom an absolute haven for sleep" explains Ian. "So try keep your bedroom cool and dark. Create the right sleep environment. It's generally easier to drop off when it's quiet, dark and cool – although the right sleep environment is personal, so try different things and see what works for you."
Ian also spoke of how our diet can play a part in our quality of sleep. "Try not to have any heavy, fatty meals before bed because your body will then be really busy digesting those and it will keep waking you up. While it is also nice to have a glass of wine or two in the evening/before you go to bed to try and relax you. Wine starts off as a sedative but as your liver processes it, it then becomes a stimulant and you then usually wake up three or four hours after."
So remember ways to help you get a good night's sleep include: A cool, dark room, limited electronics inside the room and try not to eat or drink too much before you go to sleep!
You can listen live to 'Sleep and Dream with Vinny & Cate' on Â鶹Éç Radio Ulster on the first Wednesday of the month from 7pm, or download the episodes in Â鶹Éç Sounds. Contact the team via email on MeTime@bbc.co.uk.
Watch Dream Psychologist Ian Wallace explain the top 5 most common dreams
Top 5 Dreams
Ian Wallace explains the top 5 most common dreams
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Recommended sleep time
Healthy adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night. However, babies, young children and teens need more sleep for growth and development. Different age groups need different amounts of sleep. For example a toddler is recommended to have 11 to 14 hours of sleep per day whereas a young adult is recommended 7 to 9 hours.
Deciding how much sleep you need means considering your overall health, daily activities, and typical sleep patterns.