Boxes for Beds?

Here at The Snoozery we like to keep an eye out for interesting sleep themed stories from around the world: Here is the latest one that caught our attention…

In Finland all expectant mothers are given the gift of a maternity package from the government - containing bodysuits, a sleeping bag, outdoor gear, bathing products, nappies, bedding and a small mattress. With the mattress in the bottom, the box becomes the baby's first bed!

This tradition dates back to the 1930s and is designed to give all children, regardless of their background, an equal start in life. As well as being a lovely idea, some say that it has helped Finland to achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates.

Encouraging good parenting has always been part of the maternity box policy. For example when it was recommended that babies no longer sleep in the same bed as their parents - turning the box into a bed by including the mattress - encouraged parents to start letting their babies sleep separately from them.

There was a recent report saying that Finnish mums are the happiest in the world, we think that this little box might just have something to do with that!

Students Need Their Sleep!

Exam season is upon us so now more than ever it is essential to stress the importance of sleep- particularly to any friends or family we know powering through their revision!

According to researchers carrying out international education tests, sleep deprivation seems to be significantly contributing to pupils’ low achievements at school. The study found sleep deprivation to be such a serious disruption that lessons were actually having to be taught at lower levels of advancement to accommodate for sleep-starved pupils. Derk-Jan Dijk, director of the Sleep Research Centre at the University of Surrey explains that "sleepiness is a problem at all stages that are relevant to learning, memory and academic performance."

Chad Minnich from the TIMSS and PIRLS International Study Center thinks we underestimate the impact of sleep; "If you are unable to concentrate, to attend mentally, you are unable to achieve at your optimal level”. Data from the Center shows that internationally, on average, children who get more sleep gain higher achievements in Maths, Science and Reading. Dr. Fitzpatrick goes further to claim that lack of sleep is going to leave pupils more emotionally volatile, potentially more disruptive as well as physically struggling to learn!

Trying to study without sleep is going to be tough as your brain will be running on empty. Make sure you exercise, try to implement a bedtime routine, keep your bedroom quiet, dark and cool, relax your mind first with a bath and a good book and don’t play on your computer whilst in bed because the light from the screen will confuse your brain and make it harder to fall asleep.

If you or someone you know is struggling to get to sleep during this stressful time– check out some of our products here at The Snoozery, like our relaxing Sleep Balms and Pillow Sprays by This Works full of soothing essential oils to help relax the mind before sleep and try to follow some of the tips and tricks on this blog!