Due to the hectic pace of modern day life many of us our finding it more and more difficult to maintain a healthy sleeping pattern. With heavy workloads, exam stress and a hectic social life (or time to play video games, watch films and surf the net) being just a few of the things we have to fit in, it is getting more and more difficult to find time for rest.

Sleep is one of the most vital elements of a healthy lifestyle and a lack of it can greatly affect our well-being. If we don not give our brains and bodies enough sleep we may experience feelings of exhaustion and stress. It may also negatively effect our relationships with those around us. When we are tired we are usually more likely to get worked up or upset about things people have done or said to us, we are also more likely to pick arguments with them. Not getting enough sleep may also hinder our performance in things such as school and work as it makes it much more difficult for our brains to concentrate fully 

and reach their full potentials.

Some common consequences of not getting enough sleep are:
-Poor diet
-Lack of energy
-Aged skin and bags under eyes
-Pimples
-Mood swings
-Forgetfulness
-Lack of concentration
-Aggressive/inappropriate behaviour

Most teenagers are not getting enough sleep, in fact studies have shown that only 15% of teenagers claim to get the recommend 8-9 hours a night!

Here are some top tips for having a good nights sleep:

-Avoid drinking coffee, tea or alcohol before bed as they are stimulants which will make it harder for you to go sleep instead. Instead try hot milky drinks such as Horlicks or hot chocolate.

-Relax with a with a warm bath before bedtime

-Try not to take long naps during the day as this may affect your sleeping pattern and make it more difficult for you to fall asleep at night time.

-Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day if possible as this will help condition the body and mind.

-Make sure that your bedroom is well ventilated and that you are not too warm or too cold.

-Switch of all electronic devices and avoid watching T.V at least an hour before bedtime.

-If you find it difficult to fall asleep get up and do something relaxing, then come back to bed when you feel more tired.

I've recently got into a bad habit of staying up very late at night and I'm definitely going to try and improve my sleeping pattern from now on!! How much sleep do YOU usually get?


GLAMOURUS COMPETITION WINNERS!!

Well done to EVERYONE who entered all your outfits were amazing!! It was almost impossible to chose a winner but I've finally managed to narrow down my top 3; One winner and two runner ups.

The runner ups are:

Question2000 and Pendulum
And the winner is:

ShadowJess 

The winners will be receiving their prizes shortly (1st prize: 6000pd and 10 credits, Runners up: 3000pd and 5 credits each) and everyone else who entered will receive 500pd because all the entries were fantastic. Well done everyone!!