If you’re in the UK, you may be in for some more sleepless nights this week as thunder and lightning storms are predicted to continue ripping through the sky.
This comes after a huge number of lightning strikes impacted the UK over the weekend.
But don’t worry, we have some tips for getting a good night’s sleep through the upcoming bad weather…
Keep an eye on the weather forecast
‘Trying to sleep once a storm has already begun can be difficult, with loud crashes of thunder and sporadic flashes of light making it difficult to drift off,’ say experts at Eve Sleep.
They recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecast in order to plan your bedtime around the time the storm is due to hit your local area – that way, you can ‘try getting to sleep without the disturbance of the storm’.
If it’s possible, aim to head tobed two to three hours before the storm is due to start. That way, you are likely to be a good way into your sleep cycle and in a deeper sleep. This will hopefully help reduce the chances of waking up as a result of the loud storm.
Drown out the thunder
‘Drowning out the sound of the thunder is a great tactic, and low-level ambient sounds, such as white noise, are best for this,’ experts from Eve add.
‘An unchanging sound like white noise allows our brains to focus on just one sound, thus blocking out sudden noises – such as thunder – which are likely to wake light sleepers.’
But white noise isn’t the only option. Any sound, including audiobooks or classical music, can also help block out the thunder while helping you to fall asleep.
Block out flashes of light
It’s not only the loud crashes from the thunder that can keep us awake. The bright flashes seeping through our curtains can also be very disturbing.
‘In a dark room, these light flashes can be so bright and glaring that it almost feels like daylight,’ eve Sleep experts say.
‘If you don’t have blackout blinds, then sleeping with a nightlight on could really help, as the light should diminish the contrast between total darkness and the flashes of light, making the lighting far less of a nuisance.’
Share a bed
Unfortunately, this won’t be possible for everyone, but if you are able to share a bed with someone you live with, this can really help you to feel safe and relaxed during the thunderstorm.
‘According to experts, hugging causes a release of hormones in our brain such as oxytocin and serotonin which help us to feel safe, comfortable and relaxed, all of which will help you to drift off peacefully,’ say the Eve experts.
‘So whether it is your partner, a family member or even a furry friend, get those cuddles in to ensure you sleep peacefully through the storm!’
Reduce your stress levels
Thunderstorms can be scary and getting anxious or stressed about the potential lack of sleep will only exacerbate the issue.
‘Stress releases the hormone cortisol which raises your heart rate, making getting to sleep harder,’ say the experts.
‘Before getting into bed, try doing something to lower your stress levels. This could be some low-intensity exercise such as yoga or even reading your favourite book.
‘Activities like this will not only lower your cortisol levels but should also induce a release of those happy hormones, oxytocin and serotonin, which will aid you into a peaceful slumber once you hit the sack.’
