Latest news with #DarrenKennedy
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Home help: I suffer from insomnia. How can I make my bedroom more conducive to sleep?
Darren Kennedy gets tips from an expert on how to set up your bedroom for a proper night's rest You're not alone. According to new research from furniture company DFS, many of us are getting just three good nights' sleep a week, with one in six people saying they never get a proper night's rest. And while high-tech gadgets and supplements are becoming increasingly popular, sleep expert Anne Marie Boyhan says it all starts with your bedroom environment. First things first: clutter. It might sound simple, but keeping your bedroom clean and tidy can have a huge impact. That pile of laundry in the corner or cluttered bedside table can elevate stress levels. Studies show that sleeping in a messy room can actually increase sleep disturbances. Then there's your bed itself. According to the research, nearly a third of people blame an uncomfortable bed for poor sleep. Boyhan says: 'Rotate your mattress every six months and replace it after 10 years.' A good mattress and supportive pillows are not a luxury but a necessity if you want to sleep better and feel energised the next day. Summer adds another layer of difficulty. The optimal room temperature for sleep is around 18.3C, but many Irish bedrooms creep into the 20s during warmer months, which disrupts melatonin production and makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. 'Your core body temperature needs to drop in order for you to fall asleep,' says Boyhan. 'That means your bedroom set-up is crucial.' Her advice? Keep your bedroom cool and dark. During the day, close windows and curtains to keep heat out. In the evening, use a fan to circulate air and take a lukewarm shower before bed to help lower your core temperature gradually. Swap out heavy duvets for low-tog alternatives or use a light throw, and opt for breathable, natural fabrics for bedding and sleepwear – synthetics can trap heat and make you sweat. Blackout blinds are ideal, but if they're not an option, a good eye mask will help block out summer light. And this is smart: fill a hot water bottle with cold water and place it by your feet in bed. It cools you down slowly, helping your body relax into sleep. If insomnia continues to be a challenge, it might be worth investing in a mattress with temperature-regulating properties — some are designed specifically to increase airflow and help you to stay cool through the night.
Belfast Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Home help: Should I replace my bath in favour of a super-sized shower?
Darren Kennedy asks bathroom expert Honor Curé for some advice There's something inherently comforting about the idea of a long soak in the bath — candles lit, playlist on, and the chaos of the day melting away. But let's be honest: how often does that ideal actually play out in real life? When time is tight (and space even tighter), many of us are left wondering if the beloved bathtub is still worth the footprint it takes up. To help weigh up the pros and cons, I turned to expert Honor Curé who, as the winner of the Sonas Bathrooms and TU Dublin 2025 Bathroom Design of the Year competition, knows a thing or two about how to make a bathroom work smarter, not harder.
