Stop counting sheep, this is what could help you nod off quicker
Most of us have struggled to sleep at some point, and it can have a major impact on our waking lives as we roam around like zombies.
So, when someone says there may be one quick change you can make to help you travel to the land of nod, you are going to take it.
And when it comes backed by scientific evidence, well, you might as well give it a go.
New research suggests wearing woollies in bed may be a more effective insomnia remedy than counting sheep.
It sounds like a dubious yarn but experts say wool helps keep the body in the "thermal comfort zone" most conducive to restful sleep.
Scientists in Australia carried out two studies of young and older sleepers to test the theory.
Students in their 20s in the first group nodded off four minutes faster on average when wearing pyjamas made from merino wool rather than cotton, taking 11 minutes instead of 15.
They also enjoyed an extra seven minutes more sleep per night.
The second study found that woollen PJs had an even bigger impact on older adults aged 65 to 70.
They fell asleep after 12 minutes compared with 22 and 27 minutes for those wearing polyester or cotton.
Researcher Dr Paul Swan, from the University of Sydney, said: "Not so long ago sleeping under wool bedding was the norm, and science is now rediscovering the benefits of sleeping in wool.
"Maybe it is not a coincidence because wool regulates your body temperature far better, keeping you in what is known as 'the thermal comfort zone'. You therefore not only fall asleep quicker, sleep longer, but also have deeper, better quality sleep.
"Enjoying good sleep has become increasingly difficult in modern times, and so anything that helps is great for your mental and physical health."
The research was carried out in Australia over periods of nine and four nights and involved 17 students and 36 older adults.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/one-change-you-can-make-15263583
And when it comes backed by scientific evidence, well, you might as well give it a go.
New research suggests wearing woollies in bed may be a more effective insomnia remedy than counting sheep.
It sounds like a dubious yarn but experts say wool helps keep the body in the "thermal comfort zone" most conducive to restful sleep.
Scientists in Australia carried out two studies of young and older sleepers to test the theory.
Students in their 20s in the first group nodded off four minutes faster on average when wearing pyjamas made from merino wool rather than cotton, taking 11 minutes instead of 15.
They also enjoyed an extra seven minutes more sleep per night.
The second study found that woollen PJs had an even bigger impact on older adults aged 65 to 70.
They fell asleep after 12 minutes compared with 22 and 27 minutes for those wearing polyester or cotton.
Researcher Dr Paul Swan, from the University of Sydney, said: "Not so long ago sleeping under wool bedding was the norm, and science is now rediscovering the benefits of sleeping in wool.
"Maybe it is not a coincidence because wool regulates your body temperature far better, keeping you in what is known as 'the thermal comfort zone'. You therefore not only fall asleep quicker, sleep longer, but also have deeper, better quality sleep.
"Enjoying good sleep has become increasingly difficult in modern times, and so anything that helps is great for your mental and physical health."
The research was carried out in Australia over periods of nine and four nights and involved 17 students and 36 older adults.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/one-change-you-can-make-15263583
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