At Heat Holders, we’re proud to support Sleeptember alongside The Sleep Charity, helping raise awareness of the importance of healthy sleep and simple ways to improve your bedtime routine. As autumn approaches, creating a comfortable, calming sleep environment can make winding down easier. We spoke to Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity to find out more about the importance of healthy sleep, the impact on women’s health and practical ways to improve your sleep routine, from cosy sleep socks to thermal loungewear. Here’s what Lisa had to say:
As the evenings begin to draw in and routines start to settle after summer, September is the perfect time to refocus on one of the most important foundations of our health – sleep. That's why we're delighted to continue our partnership with Heat Holders for Sleeptember, our annual campaign dedicated to helping people understand the value of healthy sleep and empowering them with practical advice to improve it.
This year, Sleeptember shines a spotlight on women's health and sleep, with a particular focus on menopause and the unique challenges many women experience during this stage of life.
Why sleep matters
Sleep isn't simply 'downtime'. While we sleep, our bodies and minds are hard at work restoring muscles, consolidating memories, regulating hormones, supporting our immune system and helping us feel emotionally resilient.
Yet millions of people struggle to get the sleep they need. Hormonal changes, stress, busy family lives and changing routines can all make quality sleep harder to achieve - particularly for women.
Poor sleep doesn't just leave us feeling tired. It can affect concentration, mood, relationships, physical health and overall wellbeing. The good news is that small, consistent changes to our daily habits can make a real difference over time.
What is Sleeptember?
Sleeptember is The Sleep Charity's annual awareness campaign, bringing together individuals, employers, schools and organisations to help improve the nation's sleep.
Throughout September, we'll be sharing expert advice, evidence-based resources and practical guidance to help people understand why sleep matters and how they can build healthier sleep habits.
For 2026, our campaign focuses on women's health and sleep, exploring how hormonal changes throughout life - including pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause - can influence sleep, while providing supportive, practical strategies to help women sleep better.
Heat Holders and The Sleep Charity
We're proud to partner with Heat Holders, a brand that shares our passion for helping people feel comfortable, cosy and ready to relax at the end of a busy day.
Creating the right sleep environment is an important part of good sleep hygiene. Feeling comfortable during your evening routine can help signal to your brain that it's time to slow down and prepare for sleep.
Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening with a book, stretching, journalling or simply relaxing with a warm drink, comfortable clothing can become part of a calming bedtime ritual. Heat Holders' loungewear collection and their popular Sleep Socks are favourites for creating those cosy moments before bed as part of a relaxing wind-down routine.
As autumn approaches, Heat Holders will also be introducing their new seasonal collection, offering even more cosy options for the cooler months ahead.
Menopause and sleep
For many women, menopause can bring significant changes to sleep. Fluctuating hormone levels may contribute to symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety and changes in mood, all of which can make it more difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Every woman's experience is different, but understanding what's happening and making small lifestyle adjustments can help support better sleep over time.
Supporting your sleep throughout the day
Good sleep begins long before bedtime. The choices we make during the day all play a role in how well we sleep at night.
Here are a few simple ways to support healthier sleep:
- Get natural daylight early. Spending time outside in the morning helps reinforce your body's natural sleep-wake rhythm.
- Keep active. Regular movement supports both physical and mental wellbeing and can improve sleep quality. Aim to finish vigorous exercise a few hours before bedtime if possible.
- Watch your caffeine intake. Caffeine can stay in the body for several hours, so consider switching to caffeine-free drinks later in the afternoon.
- Eat regular, balanced meals. Stable energy levels throughout the day can support overall wellbeing and help avoid going to bed either overly hungry or uncomfortably full.
- Take regular breaks. Managing stress during the day can reduce the likelihood of racing thoughts at bedtime.
Create a calming wind-down routine
Our brains thrive on routine. Repeating the same relaxing activities each evening helps signal that bedtime is approaching.
Your wind-down routine might include:
- Turning off work emails and reducing screen time around an hour before bed.
- Dimming the lights to encourage your body's natural production of melatonin.
- Reading, listening to calming music or practising gentle breathing exercises.
- Taking a warm bath or shower as part of your transition into bedtime.
- Changing into comfortable nightwear or cosy loungewear while you relax before bed.
- Keeping your bedroom quiet, dark and at a comfortable temperature for sleeping.
Remember, there's no perfect bedtime routine—it's about finding habits that help you consistently feel relaxed and ready for sleep.
Join us this Sleeptember
Throughout September, we'll be sharing expert advice, practical resources and supportive guidance to help women - and everyone else - sleep better.
Together, The Sleep Charity and Heat Holders are encouraging everyone to make sleep a priority this autumn, because better sleep has the power to improve every aspect of our health and wellbeing.
Follow Sleeptember throughout this month for practical tips, downloadable resources and expert advice to help you build healthier sleep habits - one night at a time. (Link to supporter’s pack when live)
If you struggle with your sleep, call The National Sleep Helpline 03303 530 541.
