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When we lead busy lives or experience a change of routine, our sleep may be taking a hit. Getting a good nights sleep is essential for your overall wellbeing. Short-term effects of sleep deprivation are linked to issues with concentration, memory, and judgement.

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In the long-term, sleep deprivation has been linked to a plethora of illnesses, both mental and physical. These days we see a wide range of products available to help us to sleep better - from special pillows, mattresses, and duvets, to essential oils, to apps, to technology products. Who knows what we can trust anymore? 

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Here are our top, tried and tested methods to improve your sleep:

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1. Keep your bedroom for sleeping only. Working or other activities in your room can affect the way your brain reacts to being in the bedroom. If it's just for sleep then your brain knows it's time to go to sleep when you head in there.

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2. Try to maintain a regular routine. Keeping to the same (or similar) sleep and wake up times each day should help. 

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3. Minimise general blue light exposure before bed. 

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Other things may help you personally, everyone is different. If sleep deprivation is affecting your life, sometimes the only thing to do is get to the root of the problem. The NHS backs an online sleep cognitive behavioral therapy course called Sleepio, which is a great way to do this and is free in many parts of the country.