5 ways to sleep better in winter

Here are five simple ways to make your sleep setup a little more winter-friendly when the temperature drops.

Cold nights can make getting cosy easy. Getting comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep can be another story. From what you eat to how warm your bedroom feels, a few small changes can help create a more sleep-friendly routine during winter.

Here are 5 ways to help improve your sleep during winter

1. Keep dinner on the lighter side

A heavy meal close to bedtime can leave you feeling uncomfortable when you’re trying to settle in for the night. If you can, give yourself a little time between dinner and bed and stick with meals that leave you feeling satisfied, not stuffed.

Simple enough. Your doona has enough heavy lifting to do.

2. Stay active

Finding the motivation to move when it’s freezing outside can be a challenge. Still, regular exercise can support better sleep as part of a healthy routine. Just try not to leave a hard workout until right before bed if you know it leaves you feeling wired rather than relaxed.

A brisk walk, gym session or living-room stretch all count.

3. Warm up before bed

A warm shower or bath can be a relaxing way to wind down before bed, especially on a cold night. An extra blanket can help too, as long as you’re not piling on so many layers that you end up overheating later.

If you use a hot water bottle, follow the safety instructions and avoid falling asleep with it pressed directly against your skin.

4. Wind down routine

Winter’s shorter days can make evenings feel like they arrive early. Keeping a regular bedtime and giving yourself time to wind down can help your body get used to a consistent sleep routine.

Try reading, listening to something relaxing or having a warm shower before bed. Nothing too complicated. Bedtime doesn’t need a project plan.

5. Optimal sleeping temperature

Your bedroom doesn’t need to feel like a fridge, but it also shouldn’t feel stuffy or overheated. Aim for a temperature that feels comfortably cool, then adjust your bedding so you can stay warm without getting too hot through the night.