How to get a good night's sleep during a storm
Storm Isha has passed us by, but Britons are already having to batten down the hatches in preparation for Storm Jocelyn.
Less than two days after Storm Isha blew down brick walls, ripped the roofs off houses and cut power for thousands of homes, meteorologists named Storm Jocelyn and warned of even more strong gusts and heavy rain this week.
The blustery wind and peltering rain means some noisy nights ahead for many who are bracing themselves for the sound of thunder and rattling windows to disturb their sleep.
To give you the best chance of getting some quality kip ahead of Storm Jocelyn, the experts at furniture website Online Bedrooms has put together their top tips for sleeping through a storm.
Nic Shacklock, fitted furniture expert, said: "Sleeping through a storm is difficult - the noises, the fear of what you’ll wake up to all make it tricky.
"We’ve put together our advice to help those struggling to nod off during the stormy weather. Finding a way to cancel out or muffle the noise is a good place to start, as well as making sure your bedroom is as restful and relaxing as it can be.
"Other advice includes using essential oils like lavender to relax and snuggling up to your pet to keep you both calm, whatever the weather brings."
Watch: Moment Ryanair plane struggles to land in Storm Isha winds
Advice for sleeping through a storm
Earplugs
Light sleepers know that it’s worth investing in a good pair of earplugs to block external noises. During a wild and windy thunderstorm, it might help heavier sleepers too as it is the easiest way of cancelling out noise from the outside.
White noise
Listening to white noise that is gentle and soothing rather than loud and blustery like the storm outside can help you nod off. Natural sounds like the rain, sea or soft machinery noises like fans and washing machines can help, and there are plenty of apps and videos offering a variety of white noise.
Relaxation
Make sure your bedroom is a relaxed, restful haven before you snuggle up for the night. Clutter and mess can make it harder to fall asleep.
Meditation
The calming effect of meditation can work wonders. Basic meditative breathing can help you calm down if you are feeling anxious about the weather and are struggling to fall asleep. The calmer you are, the more likely you are to slide into dreamland.
Sleep with your pet
In stormy weather, our pets might get scared or anxious. If they usually aren’t allowed into the bedroom at night (understandable, particularly if they get up a lot or whine for attention), perhaps reconsider on a blustery night. When they’re cuddling up with you in bed, you won’t have to worry about how they’re coping outside.
Close the curtains
Closing blinds and curtains can help muffle the noise of the storm outside. Snuggle under comfy duvet and blankets too.
Essential oils
The scent of some essential oils are known to help relax you, like lavender. Try using a pillow spray, massage oil or even a relaxing bath before bed.
Turn off your phone
We often turn to our phones when struggling to sleep, but this could be making things worse. The blue light emitted from your device could be preventing you from falling asleep, so put it away and practice some breathing exercises instead.
Read more about sleep:
The five signs you're not getting enough sleep (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
Tips for a better night’s sleep as bad rest linked to memory loss (Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read)
How much sleep you need at different ages, from childhood to the later years (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
