Sleeping is harder than it looks. If you’re another ‘bad sleeper’ like me, you’ll be only too aware of this. ‘I won’t look at the time, I won’t look at the time… OK just one look… HOW IS IT 4AM, that means if I fall asleep RIGHT NOW I will get a MAXIMUM of three hours’ sleep but now I’m too stressed to relax!’ Sound familiar? Yep, welcome to a night in Hello Hygge HQ. So, I think it’s high time I explore new avenues to help me enjoy sweeter dreams – and where better to start than with hygge?

Something I’ve only recently considered is pillow sprays. Neom’s Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist is a new addition to my sleep routine, and in the short space of time I’ve been using it, it’s been working like a dream. This mist contains a heady combination of organic essential oils, including lavender, jasmine and camomile, and a couple of sprays on your pillow before you go to sleep are all you need for a calmer night. I recently tried this with one of the adorable mini bath oils from the Neom Three Nights of Peace bath and shower oil set, and this double-whammy hit of soothing fragrance really did work its magic on my sleep pattern.

As the nights draw in, it’s becoming increasingly important to find super cosy sleepwear. I make no secret of my loungewear obsession, so I was absolutely delighted when the lovely people at Cyberjammies sent me some pyjamas to try out. I’m wearing them as I type and I’M IN LOVE. I went for the Heart Dobby Check Pyjamas, and they’re making me look forward to getting into bed. They’re 100% cotton, so they don’t get uncomfortably hot in the middle of the night (no need for sleeping with your feet out of the blankets in December!), and super soft with nothing scratchy and annoying.

They’re a generous fit, which is certainly not a bad thing (nothing worse than feeling restricted in bed), and the print I went for is adorable, and I think quite Nordic inspired – very on brand for me! I’ve been pairing mine with my American Eagle pointelle crew socks, but if I were made of money I’d go for The White Company’s cashmere bed socks (you listening, Father Christmas?). I don’t think I’m going to take them off all winter. Trust me when I say you NEED these in your life.

Cyberjammies pyjamas would also make gorgeous Christmas presents – I have my eye on the Emily Check pyjamas in a festive red plaid, and the super chic Freya striped pyjamas for a style that’ll see you into spring. And don’t worry about leaving out the men in your life – the Cyberjammies MAN range will sort them out!

As much as I love a cold bed, there’s nothing quite like slipping chilly skin under a warm duvet. I got a hot water bottle (similar to these) as a present a few years ago, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve been known to sleep flat on top of it before. It’s a pretty good look, let me tell you. When I start to roast, I just chuck it out of the bed. Easy! Next on my list is some new bedding for winter – if anyone has any recommendations, I’d LOVE to hear them.

Another thing I’ve found useful – and this may surprise you – is guided hypnosis tracks. In a fit of frustration a couple of months ago, I did a search for ‘hypnosis’ on Spotify, and came across some Anna Thompson tracks. Apparently they use ‘binaural delta waves’ (who knows) to promote relaxation, and Anna talks you through some breathing exercises to calm you down. Even for a cynic like me… this works. I didn’t realise how tense I am all the time until I had to properly focus on relaxing my body part by part – even my tongue! Who knew your tongue could hold so much stress?! These tracks have a bit of an odd effect on me – it’s hard to explain, but it feels a little bit like a very safe daydream, which then becomes a night dream. Result!

So, this is what’s working for me so far. But there is ALWAYS room for improvement, so I’d love to hear your tips. What’s your sleep routine? Has anything transformed your sleep pattern for the better? I’d love to know all about it in the comments 🙂