Eloise Brooks, Author at

Podcasts to Listen to Before Bed

Winding down before bed can be difficult. Sometimes I like to put on a film I’ve watched a lot, or read a good book. However, sometimes all that does is wake me up even more, especially with all the lights beaming directly into my eyes. This is where podcasts come in. Just entertaining enough so they don’t feel like punishment, but not so exciting that I’m wide awake. I do also have podcasts I listen to to wake up, so I’m not saying they’re all boring/going to put you to sleep! But here are my picks of the best podcasts…

Aeyla Weighted Blanket Review

Have you heard about the trendy newcomer Aeyla to the blanket world? Touted as the perfect sleep solution for hot sleepers, autistic people, or those suffering from anxiety. The weighted blanket is the big new thing in sleep. First introduced by occupational therapists as treatment for behavioural disorders. Weighted blankets are now beloved by people from all walks of life. They are a great way to help you relax and wind down. Experts refer to it as Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation, or DTP. This means firm but gentle squeezing, or pressure, that relaxes the nervous system. Think of babies swaddled…

How to Become a Morning Person

People on average need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep, and women especially need to get all their hours in. We need rest to rejuvenate our systems and the average person will get better rest if they sleep when it’s dark outside. That’s why it’s so important to make the most out of all the daylight hours, so we aren’t working into the night. From night owl to early bird, here are our best tips and tricks to get you waking up every morning refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Why do we wake? The short answer? Circadian…

Get Whiter Teeth While You Sleep

You’ve spent hours brushing your teeth, using whitening strips, and reduced your wine and coffee intake. But why are your teeth still not bright white? Many of us want sparkling white teeth, influenced in part by American movie stars, all of whom seem to have dazzling smiles. Try these tips for a smile that shines - all while your fast asleep. Prevention vs Cure Avoid foods that will stain your teeth before going to bed. This seems obvious, but that’s because sometimes the basics are best. If you do treat yourself, say, to a couple of glasses of red wine with…

Scent Yourself to Sleep

Our sense of smell can be one of the most important of the five senses. Our olfactory system can trigger memories, change thoughts, and make food taste... at all. Throwing in a contradictory scent can completely change a flavour. Aromatherapy, or using aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for healing and cosmetic purposes, can change your mood, put you to sleep, and even invite different kinds of dreams. For a run down of the best scents to sleep to, read on. Something smells good In the National Sleep Foundation’s 2012 Bedroom Poll, 78% of people said they were more excited for…

Rose Biscuits for your Valentine

Why not make these delicious rose biscuits as a gift to your loved ones on this happy Valentine's day? Roses aren’t just romantic; rose water has been shown to have anti-anxiety and sleep benefits. That makes these rose water shortbread biscuits the perfect valentines gift for your loved one, as they’d be a treat alongside a sleepy cup of tea at the end of the day. Ingredients: 1tbsp rose water (this is found most cheaply and easily in the foreign foods aisle of your local supermarket)150g plain flour, plus extra for dusting100g stork (we prefer the spread, but the block form is actually…

The Benefits Of Sleeping Together

We spend on average 26 years of our lives asleep. At least half of that on average with a partner (we have to discount the time you were a child, and however long it took you to find The One). That makes 227916 hours of real time spent with your loved one. Many studies have been done into how sleeping together affects you. Even down to what your sleeping position says about your relationship. We’ve put together just some of the benefits science says sleeping together has to offer. The Love Hormone Oxytocin! Truly a wonder drug. Not something we’ve…

The Shrinking Bedding Problem

Shrinking bedding is just another hassle in the already tedious task of making your bed. We’re all tired of having to constantly replace perfectly good, often expensive bedding, as it’s just too small for our duvets. Shrinking bedding is irritating, but not an inevitability. Here are some simple steps to prevent shrinking throughout your laundry routine. Why is my bedding shrinking? Shrinking happens when the fabric weave gets tighter. All fabric is made of multiple threads all woven together, and incorrect washing can make the threads move closer. A higher thread count will minimise shrinking, as there is less space…