How To Sleep Better, Faster, Deeper

Get a better night’s sleep – starting tonight.

One of the basic principles of beauty (and basic self-preservation) is getting enough sleep. Seven hours is the agreed upon healthy minimum, though rumour has it Penelope Cruz gets an average of 14 hours every night…

Unfortunately, the temptation of technology and the stresses of modern life make the simple act of getting some shut-eye easier said than done. Insomnia is the new black (or it is orange?) and it’s affecting not only our moods and productivity, but also our skin and health.

Cue these wonder products that have been getting us to sleep better, faster and deeper.

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SPRAY

Our Creative Director, Morgan, and her partner (hi Steve!) are on their second bottle of This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and This Works Deep Sleep Breathe In, which they use religiously for a good night’s sleep. “It’s been life-changing find,” she says of the expertly-blended sleeping aids. The collection supports our natural circadian rhythms (body clock) releasing therapeutic levels of Lavender, Vertivert and Wild Camomile to lull the senses into a state of calm before bed. A clinical study of the pillow spray on 200 people found 89% of users fell asleep faster than normal and 92% of users felt more refreshed in the morning. What can we say? This ACTUALLY works!

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DRINK

This ‘Sleep’ Powder by The Beauty Chef is hot property in the office. Gritty Pretty’s Editor, Eleanor, takes one teaspoon of powder in a cup of heated coconut milk with honey before bed and describes it as “a dessert drink that’ll make you feel really, really relaxed 20-30 minutes after drinking it”. Adding, “I can taste the cinnamon, cardamon, and it’s very turmeric-y so it will stain your teeth or kitchen benchtop if you’re not careful.” For those skeptical of powders that taste of protein, Eleanor assures this is nothing like that. “I have a strong sense of smell and taste. I can taste that chalky, powdery yuckiness from a mile away but this was the opposite – it’s a warm hug in a cup. Think of it as a healthier version of a golden latte,” she says – except this one puts you to sleep.”  Another member of Gritty Pretty tried it and said it knocked her out within minutes.

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WEAR

For those that wake up in the middle of the night because they’re either too cold or too hot, or itching because night-time eczema is definitely a thing (this beauty editor can attest to the fact), Ettitude’s new sleepwear collection and their bed sheets might save you from your misery. The temperature controlling fabric is made from environmentally-sustainable 100% Organic Bamboo Lyocell and is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and breathable but also insulating – supposedly keeping you 2 degrees cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Looking this cute in bed can’t hurt, either.

Do you have trouble getting to sleep?

Fellow insomniacs, what helps you get to sleep (and stay asleep?)