Tips for a good night’s sleep…

Are you struggling to sleep because of the heat? Do you find yourself tossing and turning all night long to find a cool patch of pillow? Getting the fundamentals right can help put you on the path towards a restful night’s sleep, so along with some recommendations to keep cool, we’ve pulled together our top tips to send you off to the Land of Nod….

• Simply concentrating on longer, slower breaths will stimulate the body’s naturally calming parasympathetic nervous system.
• We’ve all laid in bed with wide eyes due to a myriad of thoughts bouncing around, so just before going to bed, take a quiet moment to clear your mental slate and write your to-do list for tomorrow.
• A relaxing soak in a bath raises the body temperature so when we get out it will quickly drop again which is what happens when we doze off, so this assists the natural process.
• If you’re really struggling, get up, go and briefly do something else then return, as continuing to lie there can stress you out, making it even more difficult to drop off.
• There is now a wide range of free smartphone apps created to help you sleep. Ragdale Hall recommends Sleep Cycle, Digipill, Sleep Better and Relax Melodies.

Our top tips on staying cool at night-time…

• Swap your bedsheets and nightwear for a lighter cotton material, this will help your skin breathe throughout the night.
• Take a bottle of water into your bedroom and sip it throughout the night to stay hydrated.
• Swap your duvet for light blankets or sheets instead. These can help to regulate your body temperature quickly and easily.
• Feet are sensitive to temperature because there are lots of pulse points in them, so dip your feet in cool water before going to sleep. This will help bring down your body temperature down significantly.
• Invest in a small fan for your room to help your body keep cool while you sleep. Position it across from the window, so that the fan, and the wind from outside create a cooling breeze.
• Hot water bottles aren’t just for cosying up to on cold winter’s night – fill yours with ice cold water and place it in your bed.

Your In-Room Relaxation Station Menu

Whilst a healthy diet and regular exercise are key components of your wellbeing, in today’s often stressful times it can be argued that relaxation is equally important, if not more so.

Our calming spa facilities and extensive range of treatments bear testament to our belief that taking time to rest is not an indulgent luxury but a vital platform of a healthy lifestyle.

Every bedroom at Ragdale Hall features a Relaxation Station Menu to help you make the most of your time here – even those hours spent tucked up in bed. The menu has been specifically designed to complement the effects of our tranquil waters and our therapists’ healing hands to helping you to turn your room into your own personal quiet place, ensuring your stay leaves you feeling completely refreshed.

The menu features a list of options for use during your stay, including:

Pillow Choices: Duck feather, V-shaped, memory foam, extra firm, super soft, anti-allergy, maternity

Duvet: Lightweight duvets are available if you prefer

Sleep Machine: A selection of soothing sounds to block out unwanted noise and help you to drift off

DVDs and CDs: Audio and visual meditation programmes to follow in the comfort of your room

Sunrise Alarm Clock: Natural sounds and soft light that gently increase in intensity to ease you into the day with