Getting a great night’s sleep isn’t just about logging eight hours under the covers — it’s an art. Or better yet, a recipe. That’s why we’ve teamed up with River Cottage — pioneers of seasonal, organic, and wild food in Devon — to bring you a natural, nourishing approach to sleep. Inspired by our shared love for all things fresh and organic, we’ve created a simple guide to help you drift off easily and wake up truly refreshed, naturally.
So slip into your comfiest pyjamas, pour a mug of green tea, and let’s begin.
Prepping For Good Sleep Is Like Cooking A Great Meal
Think back to the last time you made a brilliant dish. You didn’t just toss ingredients together — you chose quality produce, followed a method, and took your time. Good sleep works the same way. It needs preparation, intention, and the right ingredients. If you have children, there’s a reason you have a bedtime routine. Now let’s work on yours.
The Secret Ingredients for Restorative Rest
You wouldn’t bake bread without flour — and you can’t build quality sleep without the right building blocks. It goes beyond fluffy pillows and blackout curtains. What you eat in the evening plays a huge role.
Organic Foods That Nourish You Through the Night
What you eat in the evening has a big impact on how well you sleep. Fresh, organic foods give your body the best fuel for overnight recovery.
- Magnesium-rich foods like spinach, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate relax muscles and calm your system.
- Tryptophan-loaded ingredients such as oats, nuts, and white meats help produce melatonin, guiding you gently into sleep.
- Complex carbs like sweet potatoes and quinoa keep blood sugar steady, avoiding those late-night wake-ups.
A light, nutritious supper of roasted vegetables and lean protein might be the missing piece in your sleep puzzle.
Relaxation Techniques That Work Wonders
Sleep, like a slow-cooked stew, needs a gentle approach.
- Breathing exercises: Inhale for four counts, hold for seven, exhale for eight. It’s a simple way to calm your mind. (Did you do this as you read it? It’s hard not to.)
- Herbal teas: A mug of chamomile can work like a lullaby in a cup.
- Journalling: Writing down tomorrow’s to-do list clears your mind and helps you switch off.
Small habits like these add up to big results.
Natural Bedding is the Key to a Restful Night’s Sleep
Synthetic bedding traps heat and moisture, disrupting your sleep. Organic materials — like wool and cotton — breathe with your body, keeping you at the perfect temperature all night long.
That’s why we craft our mattresses and bedding from natural, sustainable fibres. It’s not just better for the planet — it’s better for your sleep. Want to try for yourself? You can try our mattresses, beds and bedding at sustainable hotels like River Cottage. View our full list of hotel partners [here].
Creating Your Perfect Night-Time Routine
Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Dinner: Enjoy a light, organic meal rich in sleep-boosting nutrients.
- Wind down: Step away from screens, sip herbal tea, and breathe deeply.
- Prepare your nest: Snuggle into natural, breathable bedding.
- Lights out: Let your new, nourishing routine guide you into dreamland.
Consistency is key. Just like you wouldn’t expect a perfect soufflé the first time, your body needs time to settle into a new rhythm.
Better Sleep, Better Life
Treating bedtime like a recipe might feel unusual at first, but it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Fresh organic food, natural bedding, and soothing rituals are the secret ingredients to the best sleep of your life. Once you feel the difference, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for less.
