We’re living through uncertain times, and studies show that this is having a real impact on our sleep. Many people say they’re sleeping less, waking up more, feeling less rested in the morning and even having more vivid dreams.

While we can’t control everything that’s happening around us, we can take charge of our own wellbeing. Along with diet and exercise, improving our quality of sleep can make all the difference to how we feel. Here’s how you can change the way you sleep – for good.

Dr. Ranj has suggested a few simple fixes to boost energy levels during winter:

Make sure your bed is perfect for you all year round

Everybody’s sleep needs are different. This is why, for a good night’s rest, you should choose a mattress that has the right level of support for your needs and particular sleeping position, together with a duvet that keeps you at the ideal temperature all night long. Dr. Ranj: “We may not realise but sometimes it’s the bed itself that disturbs your sleep, so choosing one that’s comfortable from winter to summer is imperative. Uninterrupted sleep contributes to more energy, is important for reducing stress, and helps the immune system to work better. So, it’s important to get it right.”

Regular exercise contributes to a better sleep and more energy

Exercising releases endorphins, ‘feel good’ hormones, that reduce stress and therefore contribute to a better sleep and more energy for the next day. Dr Ranj: “Sometimes in winter, our exercise gets a little less consistent. However, regular activity is a great way to make sure you get good quality sleep. Go outside or have a living room workout session if it’s raining. The key is to get into a routine and maintain it, but try not to do it too close to bedtime!”

Follow a 24-hour guide for a better sleep

Aiming for a good night’s sleep also means making different choices throughout the day: from eating a nutritious breakfast to drinking more water, choosing magnesium-rich foods and not eating too close to bed time. “What we do, where we live and what we eat, all influence how well we sleep at night. So, think about your habits throughout the day and the ways they might contribute negatively or positively to your ability to get a good rest” says Dr Ranj. His 24-hour guide for better sleep created in collaboration with Furniture Village shows an hour-by-hour breakdown of all the little things that can influence how tired or rested you feel.