PERFORMANCE
SLEEP AID! Runner Christine Fieldhouse has tried and tested the latest products that proclaim to help us get a good night’s sleep…
■ BEST REFLEXOLOGY These foot patches are worn on the feet overnight. They contain a blend of ingredients and are made from double- distilled mandarin wood vinegar. They work by stimulating the reflexology points on the feet, boosting bloodflow and enhancing sleep by up to 40 per cent. The patches helped me sleep a little better than usual – but they excelled at improving my mood. I would definitely try these again, especially during busy stressful times. A six-pack costs £9.99, visit
www.patch-it.info.
■ BEST BEDDING Many runners suffer from extreme sweating at night. DermaTherapy bedding (
www.dermatherapybedding.co.uk) is made with innovative fabric technology that wicks moisture away from the body and speeds evaporation. The sheets and pillowcases were deliciously soft, luxurious and silky and I didn’t wake once because of overheating, and they wash well too! Pillowcases are £28.95 a pair, and a double fitted sheet is £64.95.
■ BEST TEMPERATURE CONTROL The CLIMSOM mattress topper is perfect if you suffer from night sweats or aches and pains. Using temperature-controlled water you can keep the bed cool or warm, between 18 to 48 degrees Celsius. The cool setting keeps the bed refreshed and is great for hot flushes and night sweats, while the warmer setting helps relax muscles and alleviates stiffness and numbness. It comes in two sizes, single (£299), or double (£359), perfect if you need a different night-time temperature to your partner. A good buy for summer!
www.climsom.com.
■ BEST ACUPRESSURE PRODUCT The new Yantra mat from Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson may look like a piece of torture equipment, with its 8,820 acupressure points, but it really helped my aching lower back after a particularly busy week. The mat stimulates the body, relieves stress and aids good sleeping patterns. I found it comfortable to sleep on as long as I stayed on my back and wore thicker nightwear – once I turned over, the spikes hurt the side of my body. However, using it for just 15 minutes before going to sleep, and upon waking,
20 ■ RUNNING FREE
worked well and left me feeling as if I had had a good acupressure massage. Yantra acupressure mat is £29.99; visit
www.clasohlson.co.uk.
■ BEST NATURAL REMEDY Rescue Remedy has been a runner’s aide for many years, but now the new night range is available to help us sleep better. Rescue Night Liquid Melts contain the Rescue formula, made up of five Bach original flower essences, along with White Chestnut which helps to ease the mind from fretful, repetitive thoughts. These tiny capsules melt on the tongue to release four drops of Rescue Night, and worked well for me. If you prefer something more substantial, it’s also available in a dropper and a spray. Rescue Night Liquid Melts are £7.95. Visit
www.rescueremedy.co.uk. Nelsons homeopathy are giving free advice during Homeopathy Awareness Week which runs from June 14th to 21st and focuses on sleeplessness this year. E-mail your query to
homeopathyhelp@nelsons.net.
■ BEST BATH OILS The natural chamomile in Radox Sleep Easy relaxes and helps us wind down, while the jasmine calms us and helps us drift off to sleep. Although this bath oil felt slightly drying, it was perfect for a pre-bedtime bath, and at £1.70 it’s cheap!
www.be-selfish.co.uk Champneys Relaxing Dream Bath (£6) contains lavender and patchouli – I found it soothing and nurturing. Combine with Champneys Relaxing Pillow Mist (£7.50), also containing lavender and patchouli, and you’ll make it through the night and beyond!
www.champneys.com
■ BEST CANDLE VOTIVE Nature’s Friend has a gorgeous £4 get-to-sleep candle made from fragrant lavender, balancing geranium, cleansing fennel and detoxifying juniper berries.
www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk
■ BEST REED DIFFUSER The Stoneglow Lavender Dream diffuser has a lovely relaxing aroma which isn’t overpowering and it looks stylish too. The balsa wood sticks absorb the fragrance, then diffuse it throughout your home. It lasts up to eight weeks and costs £16.
www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk.
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