‘I struggle to get the full eight hours of sleep – but these are my top remedies to help’

Maisie Bovingdon

Published January 3, 2025 7:00am

Image of products to help promote a better sleep at night, and routine. — One contributer to the Metro swears by these products to help her have a better sleep routine, and quality of sleep too. (Picture: Metro/Getty)

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I am one of those individuals who is a gremlin if they haven’t had enough sleep. Call me childish, but I need a full uninterrupted eight-hour slumber to function at my optimum – any less, and you will want to avoid me at all costs.

However, everyday stress and irregular shift patterns can wreak havoc with my sleep pattern. Throw into the mix living on a busy high road in London with a cocktail of streetlights, car flashes, sirens blasting, engines roaring, as well as noisy neighbours, and it’s a remedy for a sleepless night.

Over the years I have tried and tested a whole host of sleep remedies. From pillow sprays, to white noise machines, breathwork techniques and meditation apps. I have sampled various sleep-inducing supplements, lotions, pulse point balms, as well as pyjamas, pillows and bedding, to help create a comfortable sleep environment – and I think I’ve finally found the best remedies to aid my sleep.

Of course, what may work for me, may not be the best solution for everyone, but my recommendations may inspire others struggling to sleep at night.

From magnesium supplements and body lotions, to sleep masks, alarm clocks and moisture wicking nightwear, here are my tried and tested cult sleep heroes I swear by on a daily basis to catch those all-important z’s.

Magnesium Glycinate 3-in-1 Complex

The Magnesium Glycinate 3-in-1 Complex is the best magnesium supplement I have tried to aid my sleep.This supplement blends magnesium glycinate, citrate, and bisglycinate to support better sleep, reduce muscle tension, and promote energy levels after a restful slumber. I typically take one tablet an hour before bed, which effectively relaxes me and helps me doze off to sleep , as well as stay asleep, throughout the night.

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Drowsy Midnight Blue Sleep Mask

I cannot praise the Drowsy Sleep Mask enough, and I don’t know how I ever slept without it.With street lamps and car lights glowing through the blinds and illuminating my bedroom, a sleep mask is essential to achieve complete darkness and block out any light that immediately wakes me up.The padded cushioning around the entire mask, combined with the oversize design and ultra-soft satin fabric, ensures a comfortable fit that is gentle on the skin, does not slip and slide, or dig in.

BUY NOW FOR £69 AT CULT BEAUTY

Magnesium Sleep Mineral Lotion

I occasionally battle with aching limbs after a workout or restless legs at night, which keeps me wide awake and frustrated. I have tried stretching in the early hours, drinking water, and replenishing any fluids with electrolytes the next day. But, one simple and almost immediate remedy is BetterYou’s Magnesium lotions, and I alternate between the Sleep Mineral Lotion or the Magnesium Lotion. The BetterYou Magnesium Sleep Mineral Lotion is a soothing blend of magnesium chloride and essential oils, including lavender and chamomile, which not only relaxes the muscles but helps to calm the mind too as the aromas fill my nostrils. The formula is non-greasy and quick absorbing, so rest assured the bed sheets won’t be sticking to your body after application – a pet peeve of mine.

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Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs

I recommend Loop Earplugs to everyone, because they help me concentrate and sleep. The Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs are ideal for sleeping because they are made from a soft and flexible silicone material that are comfortable (and safe) to sleep on. This version works to reduce noise up to 25dB, which is sufficient to nullify the traffic outside my window. These earplugs are reusable, easy to clean, and come with different sized ear plug attachments to fit inside your ear without slipping out.

BUY NOW FOR £19.95 (WAS £29.95) at amazon

Lumie Bodyclock Spark 100 Wake up to Daylight Table Lamp

The Lumie Bodyclock Spark 100 has changed my morning routine, and sleep regime. This innovative table lamp mimics a natural sunrise, and sunset, to wake and to encourage sleep.In the evening the bright light dims into a soft amber and warm red light to help me unwind and get ready for sleep.The rise to wake setting can be combined with a variety of alarm sounds, including bird song, which is more effective than a blaring alarm.This multifunctional bedroom essential ultimately supports healthy sleep cycles, and I’ve purchased one for every member of my family.

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Nattwell Sleep Tech Gift Set

My collection of pyjamas is quite impressive, but the pair I often return to are the Dagsmejan Nattwell Sleep Tech PJs, which are thermo-regulating.These pyjamas are ideal to wear in the summer and winter, as they have been crafted from innovative fabric technology designed to wick moisture away from the body when its too hot, and regulate body temperature throughout the night.

BUY NOW FOR £239.90 (WAS £249.70) at Dagsmejan

Hybrid Firm Pillow

I never gave my pillow enough credit for helping me settle at night until I slept elsewhere on a pillow with as much padding as a sheet of paper. I also realised I need a hypoallergenic pillow as I am prone to allergies that keep me awake at night.The solution? A plush memory foam pillow that is hypoallergenic to sink my head into at night. This cutting-edge pillow combines cooling foam layers with adjustable height and firmness for a bespoke creation suited to everyone’s needs no matter your sleep position.

BUY NOW FOR £159 at simba