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Tuesday 8 May 2018

5 lessons about sleep we should take from Sweden

Get a better night's sleep by embracing the lagom lifestyle
Elegant neutral bed and wood bench
When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, Swedes have got the right idea.

By embracing the lifestyle concept of Lagom, which in its essence means 'just enough', they master the art of simplicity and cosiness to achieve a great night's sleep. A chapter within Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life by Niki Brantmark, reveals five ways to sleep like a Swede...

1. Go au naturel
Swedes commonly shun traditional nightwear in favour of underwear – or simply nothing at all. Not only are Swedish homes incredibly well insulated but sleeping in less also helps keep you cool. And this improves the quality of your sleep.


2. Divide and conquer
Book yourself into a Swedish hotel and you'll be surprised to find two single duvets instead of a double – and I've found this to be universal across all Swedish marital beds. Friends tell me that this allows you to choose a duvet cover with a thickness that's lagom for you and means you can stick out naked limbs at whim.

3. Keep it clean
Ensure your bedroom is clutter-free, and avoid busy patterns in the decor.

4. Keep it calm
The Swedish bedroom, with its soft, muted colour palette, minimalist furnishings and airy feel, is the epitome of calm. Think white and light grey walls, pure linen bedding (£20, Amazon) – great for keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter – and layers of natural texture for cooler evenings. It's a simple space and a calming oasis in which to switch off from the stresses and strains of daily life.

5. Create darkness
The sleep-inducing hormone melatonin is connected to the stimulation around us. By darkening your room, you're telling your body it's time to go to sleep. Use blackout blinds (£35.95, Amazon) and cover any LED lights.

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