Jane Seymour's Simple Sleep Strategies for a Restful Night

Sleep is a topic we often talk about, yet many struggle to actually achieve it. While some rely on gadgets or supplements to enhance their rest, actress Jane Seymour has embraced a low-tech approach to tackle her sleep issues.

Journaling: A Practical Sleep Aid

Jane believes in the power of pen and paper to clear her mind before sleep. According to her, jotting down worries helps relieve mental burdens: "I'll have a pad by the bed, and I'll just write down what I'm worrying about. Once it's out of my head and on a piece of paper, I can sleep," she shared with Business Insider.

Research supports her method. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General revealed that participants who spent five minutes writing about unresolved tasks before bed fell asleep faster than those who listed completed activities. The researchers noted that worrying about unfinished tasks can significantly impact sleep.

The Benefits of Keeping Screens Away

Having a notebook nearby also helps to mitigate the temptation of reaching for a smartphone, which is often a routine for many. A substantial Norwegian survey involving over 45,000 students indicated that increased screen time before bed correlated with a higher likelihood of insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns. Specifically, for each additional hour spent in front of a screen, there was a reported 63% increase in insomnia risk and an average reduction of 24 minutes of sleep.

Creating a Sleep-Conducive Environment

In addition to journaling, Jane utilizes blackout curtains to create a dark sleeping environment. She mentioned, "But once I turn the switch in myself and say it's bedtime, I'm usually able just to go to sleep." This aligns with findings from a 2024 observational study showing that increased light exposure during sleep was linked to more awakenings and reduced overall sleep quality.

Nonetheless, while keeping the bedroom dark overnight is essential, it's equally important to expose oneself to natural light during the day. Morning sunlight is a crucial factor in regulating the body's internal clock, making it beneficial to open those curtains and get outside after waking up.

By adopting these simple strategies—journaling worries, minimizing screen exposure before bedtime, and maintaining an optimal dark sleeping environment—you can pave the way to better sleep, much like Jane Seymour does.