INTO RESTING NEWS

Have you ever stopped to think about the people that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it possible for us to witness extraordinary performance at the theatre? Theatre crew are vulnerable to struggles with sleep. So excited to have contributed as a co-author alongside a wide range of health professionals on the national guidelines for taking care of theatre crew's health and wellbeing. Now available for free on the Association of British Theatre Technicians website 'Guidance for Improving the Physical Health of Backstage Staff'. https://www.abtt.org.uk/.

Light is the primary external signal that sets your body clock. Every morning, bright light—especially natural daylight—tells your brain it's time to be awake and alert. This suppresses melatonin (your sleep hormone) and kicks your internal circadian rhythm into gear. In the evening, as light fades, your brain begins producing melatonin again, preparing your body for sleep.

Despite being one of our most universal behaviours, the purpose of yawning has puzzled scientists for decades. Needing more air? Brain cooling? Dips in alertness? Boredom? Safety signal? Empathy? What do you think?

Sleep disruption in the days before and during your period is a normal physiological response to hormonal fluctuations—not a sign that something is wrong with you or your sleep habits necessarily. Menstrual cycle awareness plays a pivotal role in bringing consciousness not just to disruptions in sleep and circadian rhythms but much much more. Why not visit The Red School and follow their wonderful teachings. Maybe even this book by Isabella Mainwaring, The Power We Hold.

Shift work fatigue is a systemic workplace issue requiring organisational solutions, not just individual coping strategies—protecting your sleep between shifts isn't selfish, it's essential for safety. Why not book one of our popular training webinars to support your team? Contact Sleep Psychologist

Caffeine can be found in dark chocolate, energy drinks, coffee, green tea, anti-histamines and cold and flu medications. That afternoon coffee might still be in your system at bedtime driving alertness— so for better sleep, consider a caffeine curfew at least 8-9 hours before you plan to sleep.

Night terrors and nightmares occur in different sleep stages at different times of night—night terrors leave no memory and happen during deep sleep, while nightmares wake you during REM sleep and are remembered. Need extra support for nightmares? Visit Stop Nightmares: https://stopnightmares.org/

Adolescent "night owl" tendencies are driven by real biological changes in circadian rhythms during puberty—not laziness or poor discipline—making early school starts genuinely detrimental to teen wellbeing. Why not book our popular webinar on Sleep and Teenagers? Contact Sleep Psychologist

Snoring is the rattling or vibrating sound made during sleep when airflow causes the soft tissues in the throat to vibrate as you breathe. 'Sleep Apnea' is when you stop breathing. The number and length of each episode determines whether you are indeed 'apneic'. Daytime symptoms can also be indicative: dry mouth, headaches, and sleepiness. Solutions include: oral appliance (via dentist), a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask, weight loss, Positional therapy (fancy word for lying correctly in bed), Myofunctional therapy (fancy word for tongue exercises),limiting alcohol and treating nasal congestion.All depends on the severity. For easy to understand information check out the charity 'Hope to Sleep'. Also visit your GP and request to be referred to a sleep study if you are concerned.

Driving after sleeping less than 7 hours dramatically increases your crash risk—treat drowsy driving with the same seriousness as drink driving, because the consequences can be just as deadly. Visit Driving For Better Business if you are an employer seeking to look after your staff's safety on the roads.