Mental Health Support

Sleep Geek and Nottinghamshire YMCA

Good sleep is essential for good mental health and wellbeing. As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing, we have been working with James Wilson.

James Wilson, commonly known as Sleep Geek, is a ‘Sleep Behaviour, Sleep Environment and Sleep Product’ expert. As well as being a qualified Sleep Practitioner, he is also someone who has spent more than half his life in the sleep industry, having experienced sleeping difficulties himself. 

As the third generation of his family to be involved in sleep-related products, James went from working out of his parents’ garage to supplying people and businesses all over the world with sleep products, knowledge and insight, but most importantly helping those who struggle to sleep learn how to snooze soundly.

James offers an insight into how to help people solve their sleep issues, working with poor sleepers from cradle to grave. In 2017, he stared in the channel 4 documentary The Secrets of Sleep, helping people across the UK with their sleeping problems, which spanned from snoring to sleep walking.

James has delivered several talks at Nottinghamshire YMCA to offer his advice and support for our staff getting a good night’s sleep, and how we can reduce our stress levels through the power of rest and relaxation.

If you would like to learn about upcoming wellbeing and mental health workshops, please contact HR at hr@nottsymca.org.

visit sleep geek website

Extreme heat can affect your ability to fall asleep, stay asleep and feel refreshed from sleep, so here are some tips to help you sleep better this summer:

• Soak your feet in cold water for 10 minutes before going to bed, as heat is lost more quickly through your extremities (feet and head).
• Have a cool or lukewarm shower or bath just before going to bed. This cools the body directly and can help reduce the temperature of your skin.
• Avoid exercising close to bed time, as it will increase your internal temperature. If you choose to exercise, exercise several hours before bed time to allow your body the opportunity to cool down.
• Avoid hot, heavy or spicy food/meals, particularly near bedtime.
• Also avoid chocolate or caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee, and energy drinks) in the late afternoon or evening, as these can keep you awake. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks increase dehydration and should be avoided.