Television and radio personality Lisa Snowdon has opened up about her lifelong battle with insomnia, revealing how a revolutionary Japanese-inspired technique finally helped her achieve the restful nights she craved. The revelation comes alongside new research commissioned by furniture giant DFS, highlighting a national sleep crisis in the UK.
Snowdon, 52, described years of frustration and exhaustion from sleeplessness, a struggle that impacted her mental health and daily life. "I've had insomnia for years," she shared. "It's so frustrating. You're beyond exhausted but you just can't drop off, and then you're anxious about not sleeping, which makes it even harder to nod off."
The Life-Changing 10-Minute Ritual
The transformative solution, she explains, wasn't found in medication but in a simple ten-minute nightly routine inspired by Japanese culture. This method, which she has passionately adopted, involves a dedicated wind-down period to signal to her body and mind that the day is over.
"I make sure I have at least 10 minutes to myself before I get into bed," Snowdon explained. This crucial window is spent on calming activities: reading a few pages of a book, jotting down thoughts in a journal to quiet a racing mind, and using a silk pillowcase for added comfort.
DFS Research Exposes UK's Sleepless Nation
Snowdon's advocacy coincides with the release of a stark DFS study, which surveyed 2,000 British adults. The findings paint a worrying picture of the nation's relationship with rest:
- A staggering 59% of Brits are dissatisfied with their quality of sleep.
- Over a third (35%) consistently wake up feeling unrefreshed and tired.
- The average adult loses a shocking 91 minutes of sleep per night, equating to over two full weeks of lost sleep per year.
- Nearly half (48%) of respondents reported that poor sleep directly negatively impacts their mental health.
A DFS spokesperson commented on the findings, stating, "It's clear from our research that the nation is struggling with sleep... We're passionate about helping the nation get a better night's sleep."
Embracing the 'Sanctuary' of the Bedroom
Beyond the ten-minute rule, Snowdon emphasises the importance of curating a bedroom environment dedicated solely to rest and relaxation. "Your bedroom should be a sanctuary," she advises. Her top tips include banning phones and other blue-light devices from the bedroom, investing in high-quality blackout blinds, and ensuring your mattress and bedding are supremely comfortable.
Her partnership with DFS stems from a genuine belief in the role your surroundings play in achieving good sleep. By sharing her deeply personal journey, Lisa Snowdon hopes to inspire others struggling with insomnia to adopt small, mindful changes and finally reclaim their nights.
