Tossing and turning? A sleep expert reveals her top snooze tips

We all have nights when falling asleep seems impossible.

And the more you think about it, the worse it gets!

Dr Carmel Harrington of Sleep For Health (sleepforhealth.net.au) explains the common causes and gives practical strategies to send you off to the land of nod...

WHY AM I AWAKE?A tough or busy day is often to blame for a restless night. ‘On these days, our bodies produce more of the stress hormones adrenalin and cortisol,’ Dr Harrington explains. ‘Unless you actively try to decrease these hormone levels, the body and mind will remain alert.’HOW DO I UNWIND?Preparing your body for sleep

should begin hours before you hit the sack. ‘You

need to have dealt with the issues of the day during the day – not when you get into bed,’ Dr Harrington advises. After a stressful day, she recommends exercise, yoga, meditation, or just watching a funny show or movie.WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE BED?A pre-sleep ritual an hour before bed helps prepare the body and mind for rest. ‘Decreasing your level of alertness helps you get the best sleep possible.’ Dr Harrington suggests turning off all technology, dimming the lights, taking a warm shower and doing a breathing exercise.I,M STILL AWAKE – WHAT NOW?‘Don’t stay in bed. Keep the lights dim and get up and do something boring or relaxing instead. Only go back to bed once you start yawning or your eyes start drooping.’

Most women will use any excuse to get all glammed up! Now

there’s an excellent reason – the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation’s ‘Frocktober’ campaign (frocktober.org). To get involved, simply secure sponsorship or donations for participating in one of these dress-based challenges:

FROCKTOBER CHALLENGE 1 Wear a frock every day throughout October. FROCKTOBER CHALLENGE 2 Get your workmates to frock up each Friday in October and donate a gold coin.FROCKTOBER CHALLENGE 3: Host a fabulous one-off Frocktober event.

Sorry treadmill – these unique gym classes are an exciting new way to get fit!

Box & Bike boxandbike.com.auThe name says it all! The first half of the class sees you spinning at high intensity and the second half involves throwing punches like a pro.

Humming Puppy Yoga hummingpuppy.comWhen you walk in, the studio is literally humming! The space is infused with low frequencies designed to enhance and deepen the yoga experience.

Water Rower @ Enjoy Health & Fitness enjoyhf.com.auAn indoor rowing machine utilises water resistance. At this club, rowing is incorporated into their 45-minute ‘Workout of the Day’ class.

Deep House Yoga @ Bodhi & Ride bodhiandride.com.auIt’s part nightclub, part yoga class! Loud house music heightens the sensory experience as you move through a challenging yoga flow.

The can’t sleepcounterattack

‘I love to sleep,’ says Halle Berry, 50. ‘When I’m rested, I’m at

my best’

Adults aged 18 to 64

should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep

per night.

Try to avoid:

• Vigorous exercise

for three hours

before bedtime.

• Eating a large meal

for two hours.

• Bright fluorescent

lights for an hour.

• TV/tablet/phone

screens for an hour.

Sleep burglars

Next-gen workouts

Enjoy mixing up you workouts?

ClassPass (classpass.com) is a monthly subscription

service providing unlimited access to a network of more than 800 studios and gyms across Australia.

Frock up!This Frocktober, wear your heart on your dress, just like Reese Witherspoon.

Spin classes are taking over

Hollywood. ‘I do love spinning,’

says actress Malin Ackerman.

71

NEWHealth