Renowned Sleep Expert Joshua Piper. The Sleep Crisis

Описание: It's World Sleep Day - a moment to take a deep dive look at our Zzzs.

New data from a sleep clinic shows that we aren't getting enough nor good enough quality. Over a third of us struggle to fall asleep at least 3 times a week and almost half wake up repeatedly.

For those going through menopause or perimenopause, the situation is worse.

I'm joined by Joshua Piper - a sleep expert clinician, who will share his tips and advice about what you can do to sleep more soundly on World Sleep Day and every other day.

A few facts.

· Britons are averaging only 6.5 hours of sleep per night - well below the recommended 7.6 hours - with over one-third struggling to fall asleep at least three times weekly, nearly 40% experiencing repeated night-time awakenings, and only 15–18% managing one to five truly restful nights per week.

· Chronic sleep deprivation is fuelling a surge in life-threatening conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. The burden is compounded by undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea-with 80% of sufferers remaining undiagnosed globally-and an alarming prevalence of insomnia affecting 10–15% of the population.

· Those in (peri)menopause face extra hurdles, as 73% experience disturbed or broken sleep, 62% report lower sleep quality, 63% suffer from night sweats or hot flushes, 53% deal with joint aches at night, and 52% report an increased need to visit the loo, all of which further disrupt restorative sleep.

· Modern habits are making matters worse. Despite knowing that screen time before bed disrupts sleep, 36% of people use screens to watch TV, 7% check work emails, 23% catch up on the news, and 42% scroll through social media in bed. Additionally, about 20% rely on sleep medications-from natural remedies and melatonin to cold/flu medications and sedatives-while a growing interest in sleep tourism highlights the desperate search for quality sleep.

Josh's Top Tips:

• Stick to a Routine: Establish a fixed wind-down time each evening. Josh recommends turning off distractions like the TV and setting your phone to sleep mode by 21:30, handling simple tasks (like washing up and letting the dog out), and then being in bed by 22:00. Consistent wake-up times-preferably with some morning sunlight-are key to resetting your body clock and helping you catch those essential z’s.

• Create a Sleep Haven: Transform your bedroom into a sanctuary dedicated solely to rest. Remove TVs, laptops, and smartphones to help your brain associate the space with sleep. Even small changes, such as reducing screen time by 10 minutes before bed or using an eye mask instead of expensive blackout blinds, can significantly improve your sleep quality-making your nightly retreat as cosy as possible.

• Start Small: Instead of overhauling your entire routine overnight, begin with manageable adjustments. Incremental changes can have a cumulative impact, ensuring that each night moves you closer to a more peaceful, restorative slumber.