Stress typically impacts the quality of sleep. Which creates a vicious circle of exhaustion and more stress… This week we'll be exploring what can get in the way of sleep plus practical ways we can signal to our body that it’s ok to lay down the burdens of the day and be restored by a good night.

We’ll be sharing three fundamental themes that help us get good rest:

1. How bedtime routines signal to brain it’s ‘safe’ to relax
2. How noticing what inhibits good quality sleep provides an opportunity for change
3. How experimenting with different tools and can take us to a more restful place

THE KEY POINTS WE COVER…

·       Understanding what impact COVID has had to our quality of sleep 

·       Recognising that our bedtime routines may need to change so our brain feels ‘safe’ 

·       The importance of growing self-awareness and noticing what is helping and what is hindering good rest

·       The science to support why we need 7-8 sleep each night and what impact too little or too much sleep has on our brain, productivity and general health

·       How activating our parasympathetic nervous system induces relaxation, rest and repair

·       Acceptance that our circadian rhythm changes over time and the importance of healthy habits

·       How scents like lavender and camomile create a rest inducing physiological response

·       The soporific effect of reading out loud being read to and how stories can serve as an anchor

·       The benefits of taking regular breaks during the day for rejuvenation including cat naps, meditation and Yoga nidra

·       How tools like visualisation, body scans and deep breathing can take you to a more restful place

·       The importance of self-compassion as we learn and develop new bedtime habits

SOME REFERENCES…

Alex Soojung-Kim Pan, author of REST: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-psychological-importance-of-wasting-time

http://nautil.us/issue/46/balance/darwin-was-a-slacker-and-you-should-be-too

https://www.wellandgood.com/bedtime-story-podcasts/?fbclid=IwAR0D5HPT_P9aEHLdS6ahAJUUSBhPwOa4hhuIiE9qej77y1N7dD6Ud_Z8kBA

https://mediarelations.uwo.ca/2018/10/09/worlds-largest-sleep-study-shows-much-shut-eye-can-bad-brain/