Top 10 ways to get a good night’s sleep

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If you’re anything like me, falling asleep with a busy mind can feel impossible. Even when I’m not particularly stressed, I can lie there for what feels like hours, replaying the day or planning the week ahead.

It turns out I’m not alone — struggling to switch off at night is a common problem. But over time I’ve found a few simple but effective sleep tips that really help me calm my mind and drift off faster.

Here are my 10 go-to tricks for how to get a good night’s sleep.

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1. Herbal teas before bed

If I’m feeling too awake in the evening, I’ll have a soothing herbal tea about an hour before bed. Anything with chamomile is great for relaxation. Just avoid drinking it too late — nobody wants to wake up for a bathroom trip just as they’re drifting off!

2. Read a real book

I often read before bedtime, but I avoid page-turning thrillers. The best thing is an old-fashioned paperback (no bright screens). A gentle read can help your brain slow down, without the stimulation of scrolling.

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3. Try an audiobook

When my “blogger brain” is in overdrive, I listen to audiobooks. Comforting childhood favourites work best for me — I’ll often fall asleep to Harry Potter or The Enchanted Wood. The familiar voices quiet my thoughts and ease me into sleep.

4. Wear a night mask

Even in a dark room, I wear a sleep mask. It blocks out stray light and keeps my eyes from flickering. Such a small habit, but it makes a big difference.

5. Sleep music or meditation apps

I’ve found some brilliant “sleep music” on YouTube and Spotify that uses delta waves to help the mind relax. Whilst ‘Nothing Much Happens‘ and the ‘Sleep Cove‘ podcasts are my favourite for drifting off.

Headspace is another good option — the guided sessions take you through shutting down different parts of your body until you feel completely relaxed.

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6. Use relaxing scents

Lavender, vanilla, and jasmine are all proven to help relaxation. I’ll often light a candle or use a pillow spray before bed. Just the ritual of a calming scent can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

7. Picture a film in your head

When my mind won’t stop racing, I “watch” one of my favourite films in my head. Classics like Toy Story or Finding Nemo work because I know them so well, I can play them out scene by scene without thinking too hard.

8. Alphabet lists

Another fun distraction: I’ll go through the alphabet listing things — animals, Disney characters, cities. I rarely make it past Q before I’m asleep.

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9. Build a mental brick wall

When nagging thoughts won’t stop, I visualise a huge brick wall. Any intrusive thoughts hit the wall and bounce away. It sounds odd, but it helps me block out spiralling ideas so I can relax.

10. Plan tomorrow

Sometimes I stop fighting and mentally plan the next day — what to wear, what to eat, even what I’ll cook for dinner. If something important keeps circling in my head, I’ll quickly write it down. That way I can let it go and get back to sleep.

The role of your mattress in a good night’s sleep

Of course, no amount of herbal tea or pillow spray will help if your bed itself isn’t comfortable. A supportive, high-quality mattress is the foundation of a good night’s sleep.

When I upgraded my own mattress, I noticed the difference immediately — deeper sleep, less tossing and turning, and far fewer achy mornings. If you’ve been meaning to replace yours, companies like Simba make it really easy with options to buy a mattress on finance. That way, you can invest in your sleep without paying everything upfront.

It’s one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can make for your wellbeing.

Those are my tried-and-tested sleep tips for quieting a busy mind and actually enjoying bedtime.

If you’re struggling with how to get a good night’s sleep, try mixing a few of these ideas into your evening routine — and if you’ve got your own tricks that work, I’d love to hear them!

I hope these work for you! Let me know how you get on and if you have any other sleep tips that you swear by!