How to sleep better this winter.

Top sleep tips for winter.

A little-known fact: its actually easier to fall asleep, sleep better and deeper for longer in cooler weather. Science says that colder weather lowers our core temperature, almost better preparing us for sleep! The optimal ambient temperature for our best rest is actually 15- 19 °C.

However, the feeling of being cosy can be a cue for our brains to relax, and we all know, relaxation is a precursor for good sleep.

6 items for cosier sleep.

Make sure that your winter sleep is more comfortable than ever with some luxurious additions to your bed.

• An electric blanket: there’s nothing quite like slipping into a bed that’s already warm. Many modern versions have timers and adjustable heat settings, so you can stay comfortable all night long or just use it to take the chill off before you drift off to sleep. Choose from plush sheepskin-options and electric blankets fitted with elasticated skirts.
• A hot water bottle: a timeless classic that still does the trick. A hot water bottle is perfect for warming your feet and easing tension around your neck. Find a full-length version to really cuddle up to! A soft faux fur or fleece cover is the ultimate treat for extra cosiness, retaining the heat longer and protecting your skin from burning.
• Brushed cotton bedding: Switching to brushed cotton sheeting, duvet covers and pillowcases one of the easiest ways to upgrade your winter sleep. The fibres are gently lifted during the brushing process, creating a soft, warm texture that feels instantly snug against the skin. Plus, they hold heat better than standard cotton, helping you stay warm without needing to pile on too many layers.
• More layers! Add a quilt, a faux fur or thick sherpa blanket at the foot of the bed... not just for warmth, but for texture and visual appeal too. Layers trap heat and give you the flexibility to adjust your warmth through the night. The added weight also drapes better over your body preventing any drafts.
• A Granny Goose Featherbed: this luxurious mattress topper is a true game-changer. Filled with soft down and feathers, the Granny Goose Featherbed adds a cloud-like layer between you and your mattress, boosting comfort and insulation. It’s like being wrapped in a warm hug all night long, preventing drafts passing through from under your mattress and cocooning your body.
• A Higher Tog Duvet: The “tog” rating of a duvet indicates how well it retains heat. So for winter, a high tog (usually between 12 and 15) is ideal. Choose a duvet filled with down, wool, or a high-quality synthetic alternative for the best combination of warmth and breathability. The right duvet can make all the difference between a restless night and a deeply restorative sleep.

More ways to create a calm, cosy sleep space

Comfort doesn’t stop at your duvet. To truly unwind on winter nights, it helps to think beyond the bed and focus on your complete environment.

Here’s how to create a sleep space that feels warm, welcoming, and deeply restful:

1. Soften the lighting
Swap harsh ceiling lights for warm, low-level lighting. A soft bedside lamp with a warm-toned bulb (around 2700K) creates a gentle glow that helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

2. Soothe your senses with scent
Introduce calming scents like lavender, sandalwood, cedar, or other woody scents with reed diffusers, oil burners or room sprays. These scents are known to reduce anxiety and promote deeper, more restful sleep by working directly with your nervous system.

3. Minimise clutter
Tidy away daily distractions so your bedroom feels like a sanctuary, not a to-do list. A clear, calm space supports a clear, calm mind. Keep surfaces simple and elegant, just a statement a lamp, a book, and one comforting object you love.

4. Add a soft rug or slipper spot
Place a plush rug or sheepskin next to your bed so the first thing your feet touch in the morning isn’t a cold floor. It’s a small detail, but one that adds instant luxury and warmth to your winter routine.

5. Create habits around small daily routines
Place a small dish of hand cream, a calming tea blend, or a journal on your bedside table. These small habits become sleep cues... reminders that it’s time to slow down and care for yourself.