Sleep easy...

Lack of sleep can affect your immune system, so getting quality sleep can help you fight illness. Your bed should be your sanctuary and your safe place. During this unsettling time, make sure it's comfy, clean and cosy to ensure you get the best nights sleep possible.

Sleep plays a major role in maintaining a happy mind and body. People have different sleep needs depending on various factors, but on average, seven to eight hours is recommended to ensure your immune system doesn't become compromised.

Good, quality sleep is a natural immune booster and focusing on your sleep habits is really one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system and fight off infection. A calm bedroom and a calm mind breeds calm sleep. Or is it that simple? Nowadays, we have so many distractions which pull us away from winding down, that it’s no wonder so many of us can’t enjoy this basic human need.

Your bedroom should be cool (between 60 and 67 degrees) and free from any light. Consider using blackout curtains or blinds, eye shades and ear plugs if needed. Try to stick to a sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time. This helps to regulate your body's clock and can help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night.

The biggest distraction of all comes from our beloved mobile phones. As fascinating as it is to watch a video of a dog saying “I love you” or reading your friend’s status about their dinner, bedtime is a time for bed behaviour, not bad behaviour! Your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, so spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid electronics before bed or in the middle of the night. Instead, before bedtime, offload all of your thoughts and errands by writing them onto a piece of paper and leave it on your bedside table. Odds are, you’ll feel reassured and clear some space in your mind for some sweet dreams.

Try to get exercise daily. There are many online workouts available from yoga to high intensity, so try to get into good habits of regular exercise. Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity. Try getting daily sunlight exposure by getting out at least once a day in the fresh air for a walk. If this is not possible, invest in an artificial bright light device or bulbs. However tempting it is to give in to medication or sleeping tablets, there is a better and more natural way to sink into slumberland.

Sleep should be natural, so it makes sense that natural remedies are the best answer. Ditch the builder’s tea for a delicious cup of chamomile herbal tea which soothes the nervous system to aid better sleep. It has been used as a solution for insomnia for centuries. Add some luxury to your sleep routine with lavender essential oil. Combine four drops with 20ml of carrier oil and mix in a nice, warm bath. Alternatively, use a couple of drops on your pillow to soothe, balance and relax at night. Sleep tight folks!