With 22 per cent of Brits struggling to get some shut eye, follow these tips to ensure you’re sleeping like a baby

FINDING it hard to get some shut-eye?

You are not alone.

A whopping 22 per cent of Brits sleep poorly and seven per cent are getting less than five hours of slumber a night.

But never fear – sleep practitioner Jenny Stephenson gives Fabulous Daily her top tips for achieving a better night’s sleep.

1) GET INTO A ROUTINE

Try to keep consistent times for sleep.

The body has an internal clock and hormones that control when we sleep and wake.

Our clock works best if there is a regular sleep routine.

2) LOWER THE TEMPERATURE

We sleep best at around 15 to 19C.

Keep the heating low and, in the summer, try opening the window.

3) HAVE A “READY FOR BED” ROUTINE

An hour before you plan to go to bed, dim the lights and avoid using backlit devices.

This helps with the production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.

4) PUT SOCKS ON

Studies have found a link between wearing socks to bed and nodding off fast.

The research concludes that warming feet allows the body’s internal temperature to drop, which helps sleep.

5) CHECK FOR LIGHT LEAKS

Light pollution can be to blame for interrupted sleep.

To check if your bedroom is at risk, shut the curtains and turn off all the lights, allow your eyes to adjust then check for any areas where light might be leaking in.

6) SORT YOUR LIFE OUT

A survey of 2,000 adults found 37 per cent claimed to have difficulty sleeping due to cash worries, with a further 30 per cent blaming work stress.

Cognitive behavioural therapy and relaxation techniques can help.

7) TRY A SLEEP-INDUCING DIET

Tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin are all essential for sleep so ensure your diet is rich in turkey, steak, chicken, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, beans and milk.

8) START EXERCISING

A US study of insomniacs over the age of 60 found that 30 minutes of daily exercise helped participants sleep an average of 45 minutes longer.