Sleep expert, Lisa Artis, is the deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, member of the British Sleep Society and is currently the Co-Chair of its Communications Sub-Committee. She is well versed in the world of sleep and helping the nation get the rest it needs.
As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect time to embrace new habits that will enhance your success and wellbeing in 2025. One of the most beneficial changes you can make is prioritising your sleep routine.
At The Sleep Charity, we understand the essential role sleep plays in overall health. That’s why we’re excited to help Heat Holder’s customers create an evening ritual that encourages restful, rejuvenating sleep.
Why Sleep Matters
Sleep isn’t just a time of rest; it’s when your body and mind recharge, repair, and prepare for the day ahead. Getting enough sleep boosts your immune system, sharpens memory and focus, regulates mood, and even plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight.
Yet, despite its importance, many of us struggle to get the recommended 7-9 hours per night, especially during the dark and chilly winter months. The good news? Establishing a dedicated bedtime routine can help you make the most of your nights and wake up feeling truly refreshed.
Creating the Ultimate Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine is your body’s signal that it’s time to wind down. This is key to improving your sleep quality.
Start by stepping away from the stresses of the day - put away devices, dim the lights, and create a warm and cosy haven perfect for relaxing and calming activities such as reading or meditating. Winter is the perfect season to get into this habit.
Heat Holders make it easy to create the perfect winter cocoon. From their ultra-soft pyjamas, and cosy throws to their best-selling socks, these essentials wrap you in warmth, helping you relax and prepare for a great night of sleep.
Here’s a simple, effective winter bedtime routine to get you started:
Set the Mood: About an hour before bed, dim the lights and turn off screens to disconnect from the day. Add a soft, warm glow by lighting candles or using ambient lights to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Warm Up and Wind Down: Make a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, to soothe your senses. Wrap yourself in a cosy throw and spend 20 minutes doing something relaxing like reading or journaling.
Indulge in Self-Care: A warm bath or shower can help your body relax and prepare for sleep.
Get Cosy: Slip into comfortable pyjamas and a pair of sleep socks. Keeping your feet warm promotes temperature regulation, making it easier to fall asleep.
Settle In: Make sure your bedroom is at the ideal sleeping temperature (16–18°C). Climb into bed, wrap yourself in soft, snug bedding, and consider a mindfulness practice like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to ease your mind into sleep.
We want to see your cosy bedtime routines so make sure you send your pictures on social to @thesleepcharity and @HeatholdersUK
Does Temperature Matter When It Comes to Sleep?
Absolutely! Temperature regulation plays a key role in getting a good night’s rest. While keeping your bedroom cool - ideally between 16-18°C - creates the perfect sleep environment, staying comfortably warm helps your body relax and prepare for sleep.
That’s where thermal pyjamas and cosy throws and bedding come in, keeping you snug without the risk of overheating.
And here’s a fun fact: having toasty toes can actually help you fall asleep faster! Wearing specially designed sleep socks promotes better circulation and supports temperature regulation, sending a signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. In the colder months, sleep socks aren’t just a luxury - they’re a bedtime essential.
Making Sleep a Year-Round Priority
While it’s easy to focus on improving sleep habits in January, the real magic happens when you maintain those healthy routines all year long. Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calming evening environment, and investing in cosy, high-quality sleepwear and bedding can set you up for better nights and brighter days throughout 2025.
This New Year, resolve to make sleep a priority - not a luxury. By building the right bedtime routine and choosing the perfect products to support it, you’ll be well on your way to reaping the mental, physical, and emotional rewards of great sleep.
Let 2025 be the year you sleep better, live better, and feel better. With Heat Holders and our exciting new partnership, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Expect plenty of advice, expert tips, and products designed to keep you cosy and help you achieve the deep, rejuvenating sleep you deserve.
Sweet dreams!
