My Sleep Toolkit: Lauren Roxburgh

Screens be gone

We’ve all been guilty of shining a beam of light directly into our faces at bedtime, then wondering why we can’t drift off. Lo begins her curfew two hours before bed, “Screens give off blue light, which can prevent the body from making the important hormone melatonin”, she says, “Try dimming the lights to set the mood for a restful night...any type of light can prevent your body from making melatonin. If you have to be on your phone for work or other reasons, be sure to wear a pair of blue light blocking glasses.”

Stretch it out

A daily ten-minute stretch or some gentle yoga can be just the ticket for long-term improvements to your sleep, but Lo is a fan of a foam roller, “You can use it to help undo the day, relax and work out any kinks or muscle soreness”. She’s even got a free foam rolling sleep sequence you can watch and try out. Feel those knots loosening, and the built-up tension melting away…

Magnesium: the wonder mineral

So many of us are deficient in magnesium, and deficient in SLEEP, it’s no surprise that the two are linked. Lack of magnesium leads to “low energy, fatigue, tight muscles, skin conditions, anxiety and long, sleepless nights”, says Lo, “Certainly NOT what you need to keep your vibe high, and stay active, glowing and ready to take on each day.” You can take it in supplement form of course, and there are certain foods (pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, cashews) that give you a high dosage, but there’s real evidence that absorbing magnesium through your skin is super beneficial too. Pure Magnesium Flakes in the bath are on Lo’s sleep toolkit list, “Another bedtime relaxation ritual...remember while you are soaking in the tub to really calm our nervous system and drop into that state of ultimate relaxation - surround yourself with a few candles, I love the smell of the NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Candle, made with 100% natural fragrances and dreamy essential oils including English lavender, precious jasmine and sweet basil. Another extra amazing way to soak up the good stuff is to use the NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Magnesium Body Butter once you get out of your bath - genius!”

Find all this and plenty more sleepy tips over on the NEOM blog.