icon-account icon-glass

Join the community!

We'll keep you up to date with interesting news, product information and offers so you never miss out.

No boring newsletters and we'll never share your address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Popular Searches

Popular Products

The Lean Protein
Whey protein powder for weight-loss.
The Energy Booster
Pre/intra-workout powder with BCAAs.
The Glow Booster
Collagen supplement for skin.

CATEGORIES

Mind

How to Boost Your Sleep Hygiene for a Better Night’s Rest

How to Boost Your Sleep Hygiene for a Better Night’s Rest

Can’t sleep? You’re not the only one. Research shows that more than one third of adults sleep less, on average, than the recommended seven hours or more per night, with another study suggesting 10% to 15% of people experience chronic insomnia that impacts their day-to-day life.  Sleep struggles can feel isolating, lonely and like a never ending challenge, but just a few simple changes to your routine to boost your sleep hygiene could make all the difference and have you snoozing in no time.  To help you improve your sleep hygiene for a better night’s rest, we spoke to Sleep & Health Coach Annika Carroll. Here Annika shares her top tips for building healthy habits that will help you to sleep better. What is sleep hygiene?  Sleep hygiene refers to the environment you sleep in and your behaviours. This includes, for example, how hot or cool your bedroom is at night or what you do in the hours before bed. Poor sleep hygiene can include the likes of answering emails in bed late at night or having a bedroom that’s too bright and impacts the production of your sleep hormones. Drinking caffeine late in the day or eating a heavy meal before bed can also have a negative effect on your sleep.  But, it’s not just about what you do in the hours before bed that determines how healthy your sleep routine is. In fact, everything you do from the moment you wake up contributes to your sleep hygiene and will determine how easy you find it to fall asleep each night. “Everything we do throughout the day either adds to our ‘sleep account’ or subtracts from it. What we do one or two hours before bed is important, but it is just one piece of our sleep puzzle,” Annika explains.   How to boost sleep hygiene  Set a wind down alarm  This is your sign to put your phone away and start winding down for the evening. When you’re stressed your nervous system activates your fight or flight response. This causes your stress hormones to be released and your heart rate and breathing rate to increase. Not quite how you want to feel before bed! Instead, focus on calming activities like reading a book, practising a sleep meditation or relaxing under a weighted blanket. These will help to activate the nervous system’s rest and digest response (aka your relaxation response). If you can, avoid using your phone as you start to wind down. “Our phones emit blue light, which can interfere with the release of our sleep hormone and make it more difficult for us to fall asleep and stay asleep,” explains Annika. “Also, the content we consume (think: work emails and social media) can trigger the nervous system and raise our stress hormones, which will then make it more challenging to fall asleep.”  If you find it difficult to wind down and switch off, consider incorporating a sleep supplement into your daily routine. Our Relax Capsules contain research-backed ingredients that help reduce stress, promote relaxation and help you get a great night's sleep. An easy way to get a little more chill into your life.  Keep your bedroom dark and cool Natural light regulates our body clock and signals to our brain when it’s time to wake up and time to sleep. Melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep, is released in the absence of light, so it’s important to keep your bedroom as dark as possible with blackout curtains or wear a sleep mask to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. “You should also cover up lights on smoke detectors, TVs, air conditioners or anything that might disturb your sleep,” Annika says. It’s also recommended that you keep your bedroom around 16-18°C for the optimal sleep conditions as if you’re too hot or too cold you’ll not only feel restless, but it will impact your body temperature and make it harder to fall asleep.  Take breaks throughout the day   Now you know that everything you do from the moment you wake up until the moment you lay your head on the pillow will impact how you sleep, consider getting outside within the first hour minutes of waking up for a dose of natural sunlight. This will help to regulate the circadian rhythm (aka your sleep-wake cycle) and signal to the body that it’s time to wake up. “This helps your body set its inner clock, so it will release cortisol - our awake hormone - and set the timer to release melatonin - our sleep hormone - in 14 to 16 hours. That way, you will have more energy throughout the day and fall asleep easier at night.”  It’s also important to take regular breaks throughout your day to regulate your stress hormones and give yourself the opportunity to reflect. “If we don't give our brains a break throughout the day, we start processing experiences and emotions from the day as soon as our head hits the pillow,” Annika explains. “Taking small breaks throughout the day to enjoy the sun or sit for a moment in silence is really helpful.” You don’t have to meditate to take a moment to relax (although we recommend it!), instead you can pick an activity you really enjoy whether that’s reading, walking or stretching.  Cut caffeine after lunch  We know you’ll have heard this one time and time again, but hear us out, reducing your caffeine intake can do wonders for your sleep. And there’s a science to it. Let us explain: when you drink a cup of coffee or an energy drink with caffeine, it will help you to feel more awake and alert because it blocks adenosine, a sleep-inducing chemical that builds up in your body throughout the day to ensure you feel sleepy in the evening. However, caffeine has a half-life of around five hours, that means that it takes five hours for the effects of caffeine to wear off and leave your system. “If you have a cup of coffee at 3pm, about half of that cup could still be in your body at 8pm and a quarter at 1am,” Annika explains. “Moving caffeine intake to earlier in the day is a good idea to help improve your sleep as it will allow its effects to wear off before bed.”  Want to go caffeine-free but still boost your energy throughout the day? Check out our five top tips for naturally upping your energy levels. You can thank us later…  Keep your blood sugar stable  If you find yourself waking up in the night, it could be down to what you’re eating during the day. “Night wakings can indicate your blood sugar is too low,” explains Annika. “If your blood sugar drops too much overnight, your body releases cortisol to wake you up.” To avoid this happening, make sure you eat balanced meals throughout the day. “Ensure your meals include whole foods, protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, and avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar,” Annika advises.  If you struggle to meet your daily protein targets, try our range of protein blends. Each one contains a different combination of research-backed natural ingredients, nootropics and adaptogens. They're also free from soy, gluten, fillers and GMO nasties. Whatever your goal, we have a protein blend to help! What to do if you wake up in the middle of the night  We’ve all been there, lying awake at 3am counting down the hours until the alarm goes off. So, what should you do if you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep? Well, it might sound counterproductive but it’s best to get out of bed and leave your bedroom so you can re-set.  “Do something that’s not too stimulating, such as reading a book, journaling or watching a little TV,” suggests Annika. “Avoid turning on bright lights; keep them dim and once you feel tired again, go back to bed. This way, your brain doesn't associate the bed with worrying and being awake.”  If you find getting out of bed makes you feel even more awake, try a visualisation meditation to help your mind relax and help you drift back off to sleep. Instead of counting sheep, Annika suggests visualising a place that brings you joy in great detail. “For example, you could see yourself walking on the beach, think about how the sun feels on your shoulders, and how the sand feels on your toes. The more detail, the better. This can help you relax and fall back asleep.” 
Read more
5 Simple Things a Neurologist Does to Protect Their Brain Health

5 Simple Things a Neurologist Does to Protect Their Brain Health

Your brain is arguably the most important part of your body. Whether it’s ordering your morning latte, pushing through a sweaty workout, or flexing your focus and memory skills to deliver an important work presentation, everything you do is down to this amazing organ.
Read more
Here’s How To Talk About Mental Health (From A Mental Health Professional)

Here’s How To Talk About Mental Health (From A Mental Health Professional)

Not sure how to talk about mental health? Our recent survey found that a good chunk of the community don't feel comfortable talking about their mental health with friends and family. So, we enlisted a mental health professional to help us tackle this.
Read more
Is There A Relationship Between Exercise And Mood?

Is There A Relationship Between Exercise And Mood?

If you’ve ever struggled with your stress levels (which, let’s face it, we all have), you’ve probably been given some advice surrounding taking up running, engaging in regular exercise or even just going for a walk, due to the effects of exercise on mood. But is there a scientific link?
Read more
The Results Are In: Exercise Improves Memory And Learning. But How?

The Results Are In: Exercise Improves Memory And Learning. But How?

Exercise improves memory - fact! Here at Innermost, we’re all about looking after your health: body and mind. So when we heard about this (may we say, ground-breaking) study recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Scientists, we just had to shout about it.
Read more
How To Deal With Brain Fog

How To Deal With Brain Fog

Do you find yourself struggling to get the right words?  You might be struggling with a busy schedule and need to think quickly and on the spot. Instead of thinking clearly, it feels like you’ve stuck your head in a cloud.
Read more
Do more on computer screen for working from home

Working From Home? Follow These Six Steps To Stay Focused

Loving the benefits of working from home but find your concentration can slip that little bit easier? Here's what to do about that...
Read more
Innermost illustration of woman swinging for mindfulness

6 Tips for Living Well

Wellness is as individual as your fingertips, and means something different to everyone. With this in mind, Live Well London, a 3 day celebration of wellness, nutrition, emotional and physical wellbeing, asked its health and wellness experts what their top tips were for living well on a daily basis – and they’re all within your reach.
Read more
Woman laughing in the city

Happy People Do These Five Things... You Should Too

Happy people share similar habits. Incorporating these tips into your life could help you be happier and more content. Here are the 5 habits of happy people that you can do to help you become happier sooner rather than later...
Read more
Man sitting on gym equipment

Here's How to Make Healthy Habits Stick

Wondering how to make healthy habits stick? 67% of people set fitness goals in the new year and 73% don’t achieve them. So, how long will it take to make a good habit, like exercising regularly, stick? We got the low down from #1 rated fitness app Fiit.
Read more
What Is Tapping Therapy, And Can It Really Work?

What Is Tapping Therapy, And Can It Really Work?

There’s no doubt that recently there has been a rise in mental health struggles. With the rising cost of living crisis, anxiety is increasing and NHS-approved therapy waiting lists are getting longer. People are turning to alternative methods of help. But what is EFT, and how does this mysterious tapping therapy work?
Read more
Woman eating healthy for gut health

The Link Between Gut Health And Mental Health

Our gut and mental health have huge effects on our entire body, some of which may totally surprise you. From our general mood and cell functioning, all the way to energy levels and overall performance, the food we eat and our mentality and mental health is hugely influential.
Read more
Bed for a cosy night in

How To Have The Best (And Most Soothing) Night In Of Your Life

Bored in the house and you're in the house bored? Not with Innermost's optimised nighttime routine designed to soothe your soul, inspire your creative spirit and help you get a good night's rest.
Read more

PLAYLISTS

Playlist / Team Picks: Jasmine

Playlist / Team Picks: Jasmine

 Here Jasmine's compilation of favourite workout songs live and direct for your next workout, drive, chill session, walk home...
Playlist / Halloween Hits

Playlist / Halloween Hits

 Get yourself in the mood for spooky season with this playlist of Halloween hits, curated just for you by Team Innermost.
Playlist / Home Workout

Playlist / Home Workout

 Working out from home has never been easier, and we've got just the playlist to power you through any session.
Playlist / Ultimate Chill

Playlist / Ultimate Chill

 Sometimes we all need a little chill in our lives. These are our top picks of songs that help us relax and unwind. 
Playlist / Entering Autumn

Playlist / Entering Autumn

 Check out our curated playlist of our favourite autumnal songs to get us in the mood for September. We hope you love it as much as we do.
Playlist / August Anthems

Playlist / August Anthems

 These are our favourite August anthems, curated into one playlist just for you by Team Innermost.
Playlist / Lo-Fi Beats

Playlist / Lo-Fi Beats

 There's nothing like a good chill playlist, and this curated collection of lo-fi beats is perfect for any situation. 
Playlist / #WFH Anthems

Playlist / #WFH Anthems

 Music has been the thing that's kept us going over the past few months. This is our playlist of the perfect Working From Home anthems that we hope inspires you.
Playlist / My Valentine

Playlist / My Valentine

 The only thing better than a great workout is a great workout with someone you really fancy. Hit play and get ready to work it with this Valentine's Day special - then cool off ...
Nik Naidoo Workout Playlist

Nik Naidoo Workout Playlist

 Here's Nik's selection of head-nodding and ground-shaking tunes to get your next sweat on to. For the love of God just don't play this before heading to bed. We can not be held ...
Adam Husler Workout Playlist

Adam Husler Workout Playlist

 Adam is one of the leading yoga teachers in London. When we asked him to create a workout playlist, he came up with a deeply soulful mix of tracks that won't fail to get a smile...
Claire Fountain Workout Playlist

Claire Fountain Workout Playlist

 Claire knows yoga. Claire also knows music. Here's her selection of workout songs compiled just for Innermost.
Bethany Duckworth Workout Playlist

Bethany Duckworth Workout Playlist

 Bethany knows a good track when she hears one. Buckle up and get this workout playlist into your ears pronto.
Dan Morgan Workout Playlist

Dan Morgan Workout Playlist

 Dan getting zen on the decks. Here's his playlist for your next yoga session or if you need to kick back and drift away.
Ornagh Lee Workout Playlist

Ornagh Lee Workout Playlist

 Here Ornagh's compilation of favourite workout songs live and direct for your next workout, drive, chill session, walk home...
Lawrence Price Workout Playlist

Lawrence Price Workout Playlist

 Lawrence knows the difference between a banger and a dud. Here's his selection to get you moving the next time you need to get moving.
Suleman's Playlist for Innermost

Suleman's Playlist for Innermost

 It's Sul working the Innermost decks with our latest workout playlist.
Elisa Rossi Workout Playlist

Elisa Rossi Workout Playlist

 Elisa's most comfortable creating works of art in the kitchen. Here are the songs that help her do just that.
Matt Pearson Workout Playlist

Matt Pearson Workout Playlist

 Matt's workout playlist has got something for everyone. Get it in your ears pronto.
Jake Paul White Workout Playlist

Jake Paul White Workout Playlist

 Jake knows music. Check out his finely tuned workout playlist made for Innermost right here.
Laura Ruthnum Workout Playlist

Laura Ruthnum Workout Playlist

 Laura knows what makes a good tune. She's just gone and put 16 together in a row for Innermost.
Lauren Schramm Workout Playlist

Lauren Schramm Workout Playlist

 It's Lauren on the decks... coming straight outta NYC.