“There are many factors that can affect our sleep, including stress, poor diet, overworking and caffeine,” she adds. “Research suggests that the endocannabinoid system is one of the most important systems for keeping sleep patterns regular and healthy.
“CBD may support the body’s natural sleep state to help us fall asleep and stay asleep, supporting the body to rest and repair.”
Limit your screen time
It might be the toughest one of all, but cutting out down on how much you use your phone before bed can help you wind down.
“We’re all guilty of scrolling in bed, however the bright lights emitted from screens can trigger the brain into feelings of alertness,” Dr Philipps says. “Step away from your device at least 60 minutes before bedtime to let your brain relax before bed.”
Take a hot bath
Both the snuggly temperature of the bath and the temperature drop can help induce sleep ASAP.
Dr Philipps calls it the “perfect remedy” to relax during the winter months. “When you get out, the sudden drop in body temperature mimics the natural temperature drop the brain produces just before sleep,” she says.
Try using a weighted blanket
You see them all over Instagram, and trust us the hype is real.
“Weighted blankets give a really comforting feeling when you snuggle down to sleep, like a warm lovely hug,” Dr Philipps says.
“Evidence shows they can release feel-good hormones such as serotonin – often called the ‘happy chemical’ – which helps to decrease nervous system activity and give us that warm feeling of wellbeing, helping you to sleep better.”
Use essential oils
Add some sleepy vibes to all your senses, including your sense of smell.
“Add a few drops of lavender oil to a tissue and inhale the scent before bedtime,” Dr Philipps advises. “This can help to calm the mind and help relax you in preparation for sleep.”
Avoid using your phone before bed
We all know this one, but it’s a particularly important piece of advice pre-full moon – staying away from your phone in the hour(s) leading up to bedtime helps with your sleep patterns. This is particularly important if the moon could interrupt your shut eye.
“Phones emit blue light, which can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime, despite being dark outside,” Richard tells GLAMOUR. “Blue light also suppresses levels of melatonin in the body, a natural hormone which is responsible for controlling our sleep cycle.
“Lower levels of melatonin have been linked to insomnia and irritability, so staying away from your phone before bed is essential for a good night’s sleep.”
Adjust the lighting in your bedroom
“It is the light of the full moon that tends to keep people awake and cause disturbance as they’re trying to drift off to sleep,” Richard says.
“To prevent this kind of disturbance, gradually start to limit the amount of artificial light in your bedroom a few hours before you go to sleep, by dimming the lights and switching off any lampshades.
“The later we expose ourselves to light, the harder it will be to fall asleep – so start early.”