Sleep experts reveals the surprising swap for a good night’s sleep

Many of us wish we could sleep like a log but unfortunately that becomes harder as we age.

Changing Circadian rhythms coupled with the overuse of light-disturbing technology can often lead to disrupted sleep patterns as people age.

This was underscored by a recent study that found undisrupted sleep is pivotal for attaining peace of mind, particularly for older adults.

But now a sleep expert has come to our rescue and has revealed the surprising habit switch that may help us all sleep soundly, for longer.

Dr Katharina Lederle, a sleep and circadian rhythm expert spoke to The Telegraph UK where she revealed she keeps lighting as low as possible after eating her evening meal, and adjusted this according to the seasons.

“After dinner I try not to turn on the lights,” she told the newspaper.

“(But) still in the winter I prefer to keep the lights dim to minimise any alerting signal so I’m ready for sleep.”

The sleep scientist added that “we need to be mindful of electric lighting as a primary source” as this can further knock our body clock out of sync and make a restful night’s sleep harder to achieve.

“Be mindful of how bright that light is in the evening and then consider a sunlight alarm clock to wake yourself up in the morning,” she said.

“Humans are seasonal and we have a body clock in our brain which needs sunlight to know it’s day time.”

Hopefully Lederle’s handy advice will be useful for those who struggle with getting 40 winks and want to gain better mental health. But it’s also important to get the right type of sleep because the position you sleep in can affect your posture and overall health.

According to James Leinhardt, it’s best to avoid sleeping on your stomach due to the potential for muscle strain in the back and spine, which can result in ongoing discomfort.

Leinhardt showcased the problematic position in a TikTok video, shedding light on the potential issues that may arise.

“You’re rotating your neck, you’re twisting it, you’re putting your head up, you’re fighting all the natural curves of your spine, you’re compressing your vertebrae, you’re getting pins and needles, neck and back pain.

“And you still do it every night, why? It’s not comfy, it’s just what you’re familiar with. It’s just what your body’s used to. Does this look comfy to you?”

@levitex The worst sleeping position award goes to… stomach sleeping???? #tummysleeper #badhabits #stomachsleeper ♬ original sound – Levitex

Leinhardt presented a simple and hassle-free alternative in a subsequent video, which he claimed would reduce discomfort.

“This is absolutely easy for you to achieve, just try it.”

@levitex Replying to @polliprissipnts ♬ original sound – Levitex

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.