Robert Lancaster-Gaye is co-founder of Tielle, the brand behind the bedlinen in some of the world’s most famous five-star hotels, also available in homes. Here, he explains some simple, safe, fool proof techniques to drift off to sleep, without needing to resort to sleepmaxxing.

Robert commented; “From taping your mouth shut and potentially overdosing on magnesium, to taking on bloat inducing fizzy drinks before bed – some of the ‘hacks’ we’re seeing as part of the sleepmaxxing trend are at best, a fad, and at worst, dangerous. Whilst it can be incredibly stressful to not be able to get to sleep, the solutions to this common problem are more straightforward than Tik Tok is leading us to believe.”

Robert lists three, back-to-basics ways to ensure sound slumber:

1.     The bedroom needs to be cool, dark and quiet: “Have a relaxing, warm bath or shower before bed, and go to bed in a cool room. Your body will slowly cool down and this is an inbuilt trigger for sleep. If your room is on a busy road or your partner snores, try ear plugs to get the quiet you need.”

2.     Your bed and bedlinen need to be comfortable: “Getting into a bed with clean, high-quality bedlinen is a pleasure that aids sleep, but pillows and duvet must be of the right quality and preference. Having the right pillows is incredibly important. Do your research to figure out what’s right for you; soft, medium, hard, synthetic or natural filling. It doesn’t matter if it is different from one side of the bed to the other either, as long as both parties are comfortable. The duvet must not be too warm either, which can be tricky when sleeping with someone else. Men tend to prefer cooler duvets than women, so for these couples, a tog (warmth) rating between hot and cool could work. Another solution could be to do what the Swiss do and have two single duvets with different tog ratings on the bed so that each partner sleeps at their desired temperature. We are supplying a hotel at the moment on this basis… If you suffer from allergies or eczema, look for breathable duvet and pillow fillings  such as Tielle’s hypoallergenic Comforel® pillows. The pillow gathers in soft clusters, closely replicating the feeling of natural down. It’s certified by The Vegan Society and has both the EU Ecolabel and the Global Recycling Standard assurance.”

3.     Do not eat a heavy meal or drink too much close to bed time: “eating and drinking too close to bedtime has been linked with waking in the night and taking a long time to fall asleep.”*

“Everyone is different, and adjustments may be needed to suit your own preferences and the preferences of your sleeping partner. 

“There are various mindfulness techniques that work for some people too; Don’t try too hard to go to sleep, you will be subliminally negative and get disappointed if it doesn’t happen. Just relax and enjoy the quiet and the space. Relish the bedlinen and pillows."

Check out Tielle’s Buyer’s Guide for more information about tog ratings, pillow fillings and more.

*Sleep Foundation

About Tielle

Tielle has been providing guests at the most exclusive hotels in the world with a good night’s sleep for many years. After many requests from guests, interior designers and boutique hotel owners to make its luxury linens more widely available to be enjoyed at home, Tielle started selling its products for homes as well as hotels. Its luxury fibres, made from the finest quality, ethically sourced yarns and classic, signature white colour ways make for the ultimate in comfort and style.