A leading Australian sleep coach has challenged the common belief that looking at your phone before bed is harmful, arguing that if it helps you relax, it can actually improve sleep quality. Elina Winnel, a sleep expert and brand ambassador for Emma Mattress, says the key to good sleep is reducing stress, and for some, scrolling on a device can be a calming activity.
Winnel, who once suffered from severe insomnia that she described as 'like torture', told FEMAIL that rigid sleep rules often cause more anxiety. 'Most of the information that's out there is quite strict – do this, don't do that – to me that actually causes more stress for a lot of people,' she said. 'I would say the golden rule is to do what relaxes you. If you're using your device to do something that relaxes you - great.'
The Sydney-based coach emphasised that daytime activities and the physical sleep environment are more important than the hour before bed. She also highlighted the role of a supportive mattress, noting that many people attribute night-time pain to poor sleep positions when an unsupportive mattress is often the culprit.
Winnel overcame her own insomnia through a combination of techniques including balancing her nervous system, slowing brainwaves, and addressing anxiety. She now helps the two-thirds of Australians who struggle with sleep, stressing that poor sleep affects physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. 'Clients come to me and say 'I can't sleep! I'm not stressed' and it's about helping them to become aware of what their true stress levels are,' she said.
