Darragh Ennis' simple sleep hack has people falling asleep faster
In a latest clip on his TikTok profile, Darragh outlined why countless people struggle with falling asleep at night, and revealed how to achieve a guaranteed restful night's sleep. And it's super simple to do, as there's just one aspect we need to modify about our pre-sleep habits.
Darragh argued that scrolling through your mobile before bedtime can prevent sleep due to how our minds react to the illumination that phones produce. He stated: "Did you ever wonder why it is that looking at your phone at night can make it hard to go to sleep? It's all to do with light. Backlit screens emit a lot of light, and we've evolved to be active during the day.
"Our bodies tend to get tired when it's dark outside. Our brain does this by using signals from our eyes about how much light there is, but also what colour light we see. If we take in blue light, a lot of which comes from backlit screens, the production of the hormone melatonin decreases. Melatonin is one of the key things that helps make us sleepy."
Numerous phones and other backlit gadgets now feature blue light filter settings that can activate automatically at specific times of day. These are intended to block blue light and reduce eye strain during evening hours, but according to Darragh, they offer little assistance with sleep quality.
He explained: "The blue light filters and things don't seem to have much impact either. Lots of studies have shown this because [with] other parts of the light spectrum, particularly yellow light, our brain thinks that it is coming from midday sunlight. This also stops us from getting sleepy."
For those battling bedtime insomnia and seeking a straightforward solution, Darragh suggests the simplest approach is to abandon your phone when heading to bed.
He advised: "If you really want to get better sleep, it has been shown that the best thing you can do is not look at a backlit screen at all. If you want to read or anything, it's better to put your phone down and read a book."
The NHS' Every Mind Matters programme has outlined various measures that can assist with falling asleep quickly and achieving higher quality rest once you do nod off. Their recommendations include:.
1. Have a good sleep routine
Having a regular routine helps to improve sleep. It's sometimes called sleep hygiene. A good sleep routine should include having a set time to start winding down and going to bed and getting up at fixed times.
2. Relax and try meditation to help you sleep
Avoid electronic devices at least an hour before bed, as mobiles, tablets and computers all throw out blue light that stops sleep. Reading, listening to soft music or a podcast, or sleep meditation can all help if you have trouble sleeping.
3. Try mindfulness for sleep
Anxiety, worry and stress can affect how well we sleep. Luckily, there are things you can do daily to help manage your worries, like talking to someone you trust or writing in a notebook about your concerns.
If you often lie awake worrying, set aside time before bed to make a to-do list for the next day, as this can be a good way to put your mind at rest.
4. Create the right sleep environment
It's generally easier to fall asleep when it's quiet, dark, and cool, although the right sleep environment is personal. So, try different things and see what works for you. You may find that wearing earplugs and putting your phone on silent can help you eliminate distractions and fall asleep faster.
Good curtains or blinds can help to keep a room dark and avoid unwanted light by keeping clocks out of view and phones facing down. Some people also find it helps to play music for sleep, such as ambient sounds like rainfall, gentle music or white noise.
5. Do not force sleep
If you're lying awake, unable to sleep, do not try to force it. If you're tired and enjoying the feeling of resting, then sleep may naturally take over. But if you cannot sleep, get up and sit in a comfy place and do something relaxing, like reading a book or listening to quiet music.
6. Improve sleep through diet and exercise
A good diet and regular physical exercise can help us relax and get better sleep. Avoid eating large meals before bedtime, and try to ditch any caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine before you go to sleep. The general advice is to avoid stimulants 1 to 2 hours before bed.
Regular exercise helps with sleep, but avoid anything too energetic in the 90 minutes before bedtime if you find it stops you from sleeping.
For more information, visit the NHS website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Darragh Ennis' simple sleep hack has people falling asleep faster
Altering just one aspect of your bedtime routine could transform your sleep, claims The Chase celebrity Darragh Ennis. Whilst he's best recognised for challenging contestants as The Menace on the ITV quiz programme, Irishman Darragh works as a neuroscientist and recently authored a book about the human body called The Body: 10 Things You Should Know. In a latest clip on his TikTok profile, Darragh outlined why countless people struggle with falling asleep at night, and revealed how to achieve a guaranteed restful night's sleep. And it's super simple to do, as there's just one aspect we need to modify about our pre-sleep habits. Darragh argued that scrolling through your mobile before bedtime can prevent sleep due to how our minds react to the illumination that phones produce. He stated: "Did you ever wonder why it is that looking at your phone at night can make it hard to go to sleep? It's all to do with light. Backlit screens emit a lot of light, and we've evolved to be active during the day. "Our bodies tend to get tired when it's dark outside. Our brain does this by using signals from our eyes about how much light there is, but also what colour light we see. If we take in blue light, a lot of which comes from backlit screens, the production of the hormone melatonin decreases. Melatonin is one of the key things that helps make us sleepy." Numerous phones and other backlit gadgets now feature blue light filter settings that can activate automatically at specific times of day. These are intended to block blue light and reduce eye strain during evening hours, but according to Darragh, they offer little assistance with sleep quality. He explained: "The blue light filters and things don't seem to have much impact either. Lots of studies have shown this because [with] other parts of the light spectrum, particularly yellow light, our brain thinks that it is coming from midday sunlight. This also stops us from getting sleepy." For those battling bedtime insomnia and seeking a straightforward solution, Darragh suggests the simplest approach is to abandon your phone when heading to bed. He advised: "If you really want to get better sleep, it has been shown that the best thing you can do is not look at a backlit screen at all. If you want to read or anything, it's better to put your phone down and read a book." The NHS' Every Mind Matters programme has outlined various measures that can assist with falling asleep quickly and achieving higher quality rest once you do nod off. Their recommendations include:. 1. Have a good sleep routine Having a regular routine helps to improve sleep. It's sometimes called sleep hygiene. A good sleep routine should include having a set time to start winding down and going to bed and getting up at fixed times. 2. Relax and try meditation to help you sleep Avoid electronic devices at least an hour before bed, as mobiles, tablets and computers all throw out blue light that stops sleep. Reading, listening to soft music or a podcast, or sleep meditation can all help if you have trouble sleeping. 3. Try mindfulness for sleep Anxiety, worry and stress can affect how well we sleep. Luckily, there are things you can do daily to help manage your worries, like talking to someone you trust or writing in a notebook about your concerns. If you often lie awake worrying, set aside time before bed to make a to-do list for the next day, as this can be a good way to put your mind at rest. 4. Create the right sleep environment It's generally easier to fall asleep when it's quiet, dark, and cool, although the right sleep environment is personal. So, try different things and see what works for you. You may find that wearing earplugs and putting your phone on silent can help you eliminate distractions and fall asleep faster. Good curtains or blinds can help to keep a room dark and avoid unwanted light by keeping clocks out of view and phones facing down. Some people also find it helps to play music for sleep, such as ambient sounds like rainfall, gentle music or white noise. 5. Do not force sleep If you're lying awake, unable to sleep, do not try to force it. If you're tired and enjoying the feeling of resting, then sleep may naturally take over. But if you cannot sleep, get up and sit in a comfy place and do something relaxing, like reading a book or listening to quiet music. 6. Improve sleep through diet and exercise A good diet and regular physical exercise can help us relax and get better sleep. Avoid eating large meals before bedtime, and try to ditch any caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine before you go to sleep. The general advice is to avoid stimulants 1 to 2 hours before bed. Regular exercise helps with sleep, but avoid anything too energetic in the 90 minutes before bedtime if you find it stops you from sleeping. For more information, visit the NHS website.
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I lost 4st on Mounjaro and finally feel like myself again, I did it with no side effects thanks to a 60p a day buy
A WOMAN says she has found herself again after shedding 4st on Mounjaro. April, from the UK, took to social media to share her Advertisement 2 April has lost 4st on Mounjaro in just four months Credit: Tiktok/@ 2 She shared the must-have buy to stop nasty side effects Credit: Tiktok/@ The mum-of-four revealed she was so much happier after her weight loss. "I lost 4st and found myself again after having four babies ," she said in one clip. In just four months, the mum had totally transformed and she shared her progress with viewers. In the first picture, April looked sad as she covered her body in black leggings and a black long-sleeved top. Advertisement READ MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS JABS But now, with more confidence in her new body, she smiled at the camera in a cropped vest and black cycling shorts. In the comments below the clip, April revealed that she had suffered with side effects at the start but she was able to banish them completely. And she said it was all down to one multi-vitamin. April revealed she used the Advertisement Most read in Fabulous The tablets cost £18.99 for 60 tablets taken twice a day, meaning it costs just 60p per day. Wellgard bosses say it helps with energy levels, sulfur burps, iron, and electrolyte absorption. I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care April added: "I can honestly say they have helped so much with constipation, stomach cramps, you know all the nasty side effects that comes with Monjaro." The clip went viral on her TikTok account @ Advertisement People were quick to congratulate her on her weight loss and thank her for the recommendation. One person wrote: "Good on you, well done." Another commented: "That looks perfect." What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. "Lovely, well done, might as well jump on this for tummy sake," penned a third. Advertisement Meanwhile a fourth said: "Congrats!!!! Thanks for the tips." Someone else added: "Well done, smashing it!"
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The 6 facts every woman should know about their body – and it could save your life
From puberty to menopause, and everything in between, women's bodies go through a lot. We might know the fundamentals – what a vagina is, what a vulva does and how babies are made – but with the help of dozens of medical experts, journalist Polly Vernon has created an encyclopaedic deep-dive into female biology, from the very basics to the weird and wonderful. 7 There are glimmers of change that makes it easier for women to know their bodies better in 2025 Credit: Getty - Contributor The truth is, women have been set up to feel like strangers in their own bodies, thanks to a lack of scientific research. 'Women's bodies were excluded from US clinical trials between 1977 and 1993,' Polly explains. 'For years, we were treated as smaller, stranger versions of men.' The consequences of this oversight have sent ripples into the success of diagnoses and treatment. READ MORE ON WOMEN'S HEALTH 'Take 'Or smear tests – surely there's a better option than a speculum?' But there are glimmers of change. A DIY cervical cancer test that only requires women to take a swab at home will finally be rolled out on the NHS from January, and for the first time, there are now more female than male doctors in the UK. 'We're nowhere near where we need to be, but things are moving forward,' Polly agrees. Most read in Health Her book, How The Female Body Works, is a call to action for all women to reclaim, understand and demand better when it comes to our bodies. Here's the stuff you may not know. Millions of women live life according to their menstrual cycle, study shows 7 Women put on a brave face and try to put up with pain instead of trying to treat it Credit: Getty THE PAIN GAME Period cramps, childbirth, endometriosis – we're no strangers to pain. 'I asked if it is feminist folklore that women endure more pain than men,' says Polly, about her interview with Professor Andrew Horne, director of the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh. His answer? 'God, no, every part of your biological existence involves more pain.' But women put on a brave face. The annual Nurofen Gender Pain Index Report highlights that girls come to expect their pain will not be believed, and many disregard it for fear of wasting others' time. 'There are so many things we just put up with because we think we have to,' says Polly. 'We need to get better at going: 'I need this [pain relief], and I deserve it.' It is recognising what isn't acceptable and never believing, 'It's part of being a woman'.' If you have severe Your GP can help with medications or tests to find the cause. 7 There are some steps you can take to limit, if not avoid, the impact of hormones Credit: Getty BLAME THE HORMONES How many times have you blamed your mood on being 'hormonal'? And did you know which hormones, exactly, were to blame? There are more than 50 different kinds in the body, and men and women have the same hormones, just in greater or lesser quantities. Hormonal fluctuations impact your emotional state, but also performance, behaviour, daily activities and even injury risk. 'It can all seem a bit mystical, like it has us in its grip and there's nothing we can do about it,' says Polly. But there are definitely things you can do for better hormonal health. 'Get control of your sleep,' advises Polly. 'Make sure you go to bed at a regular time and don't eat or drink a lot directly before. Exercise, and think about nutrition and stress management. Get those in place first and then look at any medication you need.' See a GP if menopause, for example, is getting you down – they can discuss prescribing HRT. 7 Feel around your breasts regularly to check for any changes in your body Credit: Getty - Contributor FEEL ON THE FIRST Have you ever been told that underwiring, deodorant and even black bras can lead to cancer? 'This is absolutely, categorically not true, just nonsense,' says Polly. But what is important when it comes to cancer is being aware of your own body and any changes. ''Feel it on the first' [of the month] is the best way to remember to check your breasts,' GP Dr Philippa Kaye says. Feel around your breasts, nipples, collarbone and into your armpits. And when you start getting called for mammograms (typically after 50), take up the appointment. 7 Understand your hormonal cycle to get a better connection between your mind and body Credit: Getty SYNC WITH YOUR CYCLES Hormones get a bad rap, but you can harness them positively, too. 'Bang in the middle of your menstrual cycle, just before you're ovulating, your body wants you out there, flirting,' says Polly. 'It drives you to meet people, because it wants you to have sex and get pregnant. It also makes you quite disinhibited and reckless. It's like you're drunk, but on oestrogen.' It's fleeting, though – once ovulation is over, progesterone hits. 'You wonder why you ever said yes to that party. You're thinking: 'I'm awful', 'I'm ugly', 'I'm socially incompetent'. Your body is working on the presumption you are pregnant, and it wants to keep you tucked away to keep that 'pregnancy' safe,' explains Polly. 7 Your vagina is more than a body part, and it should never be cleaned with soap Credit: Getty PROTECT YOUR BITS Your vagina is more than a body part – it's a marker of your overall health. 'I'd heard loads about gut microbiome, but the vagina is performing a job of equivalent importance, and it needs to be looked after,' says Polly. The vagina microbiome is a delicate balance of bugs, bacteria and fungi, and if disrupted it could lead to infections like thrush, bacterial vaginosis and UTIs. To keep your vagina in harmony, never clean it with soap. Only use a mild, unscented soap and water for the vulva (outside area), or even better, an emollient. 'It makes me angry that we are sold [feminine hygiene] products we don't need,' says Polly. 'Not only is it a financial con, but it's also a health risk, and ties into the idea that vaginas are smelly and dirty.' Your genitals will prefer cotton knickers over synthetic-fibre thongs, and nothing at night. 7 It's never too late to start exercising your pelvic muscles, to help avoid incontinence and infections Credit: Alamy SQUEEZE THOSE MUSCLES Yes, we know you've heard it before, but you really do need to exercise those pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor naturally weakens in pregnancy and childbirth, and then it weakens again in menopause. This can lead to urinary and bowel incontinence. But it's not something to be dismissed as just 'another part of ageing'. 'Incontinence is not just silly and embarrassing, it keeps women from socialising and from doing their jobs,' says Polly. 'That has extraordinary consequences, because we need to engage in the world if we want to protect our brains against Alzheimer's, for example. "One gynaecologist I interviewed said we should teach girls to do pelvic floor exercises at school.' To find your pelvic floor muscles, squeeze as if you are trying to stop yourself peeing or farting. It's not too late to start exercising them to reduce leaks, even if you already have incontinence. Try apps like Squeezy for guidance.
