Waking up in the middle of the night can be frustrating—especially when you struggle to fall back asleep. But there are ways to help your body relax and drift off again without too much effort. Here are ten evidence-based strategies that could help you get the rest you need.

1. Block out disruptive noises

If a disturbing sound outside your window wakes you, try shutting it to block it out. You might also try using earplugs, turning on a fan, or listening to white noise. A 2021 research review found that white noise may improve sleep in some individuals, though results were mixed and more studies are needed.

2. Leave your bed

Try moving into a different room if you haven’t fallen asleep in 15 minutes. Then do something relaxing to distract your mind for a few minutes. This may make it easier to fall asleep when you return to bed.

3. Avoid staring at the clock

Staring at the clock may make you feel anxious about not sleeping. You might even consider getting rid of your alarm clock completely. Research published in 2019 suggests that anxiety and trouble falling asleep are associated. People who manage anxiety often worry about falling asleep, and people who have difficulty falling asleep often feel anxious.

4. Avoid screens

Turn off all your devices. Notification sounds may awaken you. Smartphones and other electronics also emit blue light that may suppress your body’s melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your circadian rhythm and sleep cycles. Blue light-blocking glasses are an inexpensive option that may improve sleep, according to a 2021 research review, but research is mixed.

5. Meditate or try breathing exercises

A 2018 research review on the effect of mindfulness meditation indicates breathing exercises or meditating may help treat some aspects of sleep disturbance and improve sleep quality. One useful method is the 4-7-8 breathing technique: inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, then exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds.

6. Relax your muscles

One technique that some people may find helps them relax and sleep is performing a full body scan. Close your eyes, breathe slowly, and move your attention from your face down to your feet, relaxing each area as you go.

7. Sleep with the lights off

Resist the temptation to turn on the lights, even if you get out of bed. Bright light may interfere with your body’s melatonin production and wake you up.

8. Focus on something boring

Research from 2018 found that many people report feeling sleepy when bored. The classic “counting sheep” technique — or any uninteresting task that occupies your mind — may help distract you and make falling asleep easier.

9. Listen to relaxing music

Relaxing music may help calm your mind and block sounds that may disrupt your sleep. Personal preference plays a large role in determining what type of music is best, so experiment with different styles.

10. Try sleep apps

Sleep apps offer relaxing stories, music, and sounds. Apps like Calm and Headspace offer free trials, allowing you to see what works best for you.

As cough and flu season sweeps across the UK, health expert Dr Xand shared crucial guidance during today’s episode of BBC Morning Live (Jan 19) for anyone struggling with a stubborn cough. The discussion focused on coughs and colds, highlighting new research showing that human rhinovirus, a common cause of cold, can also trigger pneumonia in adults.

Flu Season In UK: Warning Signs To Watch For

Speaking with presenters Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones, as per Mirror, Dr Xand, a specialist in public and global health, explained which symptoms indicate a cough should not be ignored. He noted that a persistent cough is one of the key signs of pneumonia.

Gethin asked, "A cough happens with many illnesses, so when should someone really worry?" Dr Xand replied, "This is a big question, and plenty of people at home might be thinking, 'Is this serious?' because coughs can linger for a long time."

He continued: "Viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause what’s known as the 'hundred-day cough,' and people can be coughing for weeks wondering what’s going on."

Dr Xand advised viewers to follow the NHS guidelines for coughs, saying, "The NHS recommends consulting your doctor if a cough persists for over three weeks. Many coughs last three to four weeks, and you’ll usually notice if they’re improving. Right now, the most common cause is a virus."

Dr Xand’s Cough Syrup Alert

Addressing people from home about cough syrups, Dr Xand highlighted the latest NHS guidance. He suggested trying more natural remedies, which can be just as effective. "The NHS does not actually recommend cough syrup," he explained. "It advises hot lemon with honey instead."

The official NHS website confirms that "hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines." This simple remedy can soothe the throat, calm irritation, and reduce the cough reflex. Some studies even suggest it works as effectively as certain over-the-counter medicines, particularly for children over one year old. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t treat the underlying illness.

What Do Cough Syrup Studies Show?

Research shows that most over-the-counter cough medicines offer minimal benefits. Studies, including those from the Cochrane Collaboration, reveal that they perform little better than a placebo for short-term cough relief in both adults and children.

While these syrups may temporarily ease throat irritation or provide a sense of relief, ingredients such as dextromethorphan and guaifenesin often do no better than sugar pills. Much of the perceived benefit comes from the placebo effect or the body’s natural recovery.

Instead, simpler measures like honey, staying hydrated, and using painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are often more effective. Most coughs caused by colds simply need time to resolve.

Cough Syrup: Red Flags To Watch For

Dr Xand shared the warning signs people should be aware of. "There are several red flags worth noting. High fever, chills, or unexplained shortness of breath are all reasons to see a doctor immediately. You should be able to breathe normally, and if you can’t, that’s a concern."

He added, "Any chest pain with a cough, very thick mucus, or extreme fatigue are also serious signs. More severe warning signals include trouble breathing, bluish lips or fingertips, confusion, mental changes, prolonged high fever, and a rapid heart rate."

"It’s crucial to act quickly," Dr Xand continued. "I’ve seen cases in my own family where someone went from a mild cough to being extremely unwell in just a day. Sudden deterioration can be life-threatening, so early medical help is essential."

Pneumonia Can Be Subtle but Serious

Dr Xand emphasized, "Pneumonia can sometimes develop quietly. It isn’t always dramatic, but it can be fatal. That’s why it’s so important to monitor symptoms and seek medical help promptly if things are getting worse."

Vitamin deficiencies are often brushed aside as minor nutritional gaps. Many people assume they can be fixed later or ignored until something feels seriously wrong. According to Dr Prabhat Ranjan Sinha, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, this casual attitude can be risky, especially when it comes to Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12. Both nutrients play a central role in bone strength, nerve function, immunity, and energy levels. When their levels drop, the damage may build quietly and surface only when daily life starts to feel difficult.

Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12 are essential for overall wellbeing. Their deficiency may not cause obvious symptoms at first, but over time they can affect how the body functions, how often a person falls sick, and how energetic or mentally sharp they feel.

Vitamin B12 And D3 Deficiencies: The Sunshine Vitamin And Why It Matters

Vitamin D3, often called the sunshine vitamin, is produced by the body when skin is exposed to sunlight. Along with calcium, it helps maintain strong bones and reduces the risk of fractures. Low levels of Vitamin D3 can weaken muscles, increase the risk of falls, and raise the chances of bone disorders such as osteoporosis. In children, severe deficiency can lead to rickets, a condition that affects normal bone growth.

Dr Sinha explains that Vitamin D3 does more than support bone health. It also plays a key role in immune function. People with low levels may fall sick more often and take longer to recover from infections. Research has also linked deficiency to higher levels of inflammation in the body.

Despite living in a country with abundant sunlight, Vitamin D3 deficiency is widespread. Urban lifestyles keep many people indoors for long hours. Regular use of sunscreen, limited outdoor activity, and aging all reduce the body’s ability to produce and absorb this vitamin. Diet alone rarely provides enough Vitamin D3, which is why deficiency remains common even among people who eat well.

Vitamin B12 And Its Silent Impact

Vitamin B12 is equally important but often overlooked. It is essential for nerve health, brain function, and the production of healthy red blood cells. Unlike some deficiencies that show early warning signs, B12 deficiency tends to develop slowly. Its symptoms are often mistaken for stress, aging, or routine fatigue.

Low Vitamin B12 levels can cause weakness, persistent tiredness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, memory problems, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, untreated deficiency can lead to nerve damage and anemia.

Certain groups are at higher risk. Vegetarians and vegans often do not get enough B12 because it is mainly found in animal-based foods. Older adults may struggle to absorb B12 due to reduced stomach acid. People with digestive disorders and those taking long-term acid-reducing medications are also more vulnerable.

Why These Deficiencies Are Missed?

One of the biggest challenges with Vitamin D3 and B12 deficiencies is that their symptoms overlap with many common health complaints. Ongoing fatigue, joint pain, low mood, or frequent illness are often blamed on work stress, poor sleep, or lifestyle habits. As a result, people delay medical advice until symptoms start interfering with everyday life.

Dr Sinha notes that this delay can make recovery slower and complications more likely.

Vitamin B12 And D3 Deficiencies Diagnosis And Timely Care

Simple blood tests can accurately detect Vitamin D3 and B12 deficiencies. However, many people only get tested once symptoms become severe. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, which may include supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments under medical guidance.

Addressing these deficiencies early is one of the simplest ways to protect long-term health. Adequate sunlight exposure, balanced nutrition, and routine screening can help maintain healthy levels. Taking Vitamin D3 and B12 deficiencies seriously is a small step that can prevent lasting health problems and support healthier aging.

As winter approaches, many people notice an increase in sinus- and ear-related issues. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pressure, headaches, ear pain, and dizziness become more frequent during this season. According to Dr. Swapnil Brajpuriya, Associate Director & Head Unit II – ENT at Asian Hospital, the combination of cold air, low humidity, and sudden temperature changes are the main reasons why sinus and ear problems worsen in winter.

Why Does Cold Air Cause Sinus Blockage?

The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the facial bones that connect to the nose and play a key role in the breathing process. During winter, the cold, dry air dries out the nasal lining, causing the mucus to thicken. Thickened mucus slows down normal sinus drainage, leading to congestion and blockage.

Dr. Brajpuriya explains, “In winter, the nasal mucous membrane tends to dry out, preventing proper drainage of mucus from the sinuses. This leads to congestion and sinus blockage.”

The Link Between Ear Heaviness, Headache, and Dizziness

The sinuses and ears are connected via the Eustachian tube, which regulates pressure between the middle ear and the environment. When sinus inflammation or blockage occurs, it can create pressure in the ears, causing a feeling of fullness, reduced hearing, headaches, and sometimes dizziness.

“Sinus infections can block the Eustachian tube, causing pressure buildup inside the ear. This pressure is often responsible for the headaches and dizziness experienced by patients,” says Dr. Brajpuriya.

Why Are Infections More Common in Winter?

Winter months often mean spending more time indoors in closed, crowded spaces, which increases the risk of viral and bacterial infections spreading. Additionally, colder temperatures and seasonal changes can weaken the immune system, making common colds and flu more likely to develop into sinusitis or middle ear infections.

Dr. Brajpuriya adds, “If a cold or flu is not treated promptly, it can progress to a sinus or middle ear infection, particularly in children and the elderly.”

Who Should Be Extra Careful?

Certain groups are more susceptible to sinus and ear problems during winter. People with allergies, asthma, frequent colds, weak immunity, or pre-existing sinus conditions need to be extra vigilant. Smokers are also at higher risk, as smoke can irritate the nasal and sinus lining, exacerbating congestion and inflammation.

Sinus Treatment and Prevention Tips

To manage and prevent winter-related sinus and ear issues, Dr. Brajpuriya recommends the following precautions:

• Keep your nose and ears protected from cold air using scarves or masks.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep mucus thin.
• Minimise exposure to dust and allergens indoors.
• Seek medical advice if nasal congestion, ear pain, or dizziness persists for more than a few days.

He emphasizes, “Neglecting sinus and ear problems can lead to chronic infections. Timely treatment and proper care are essential to prevent complications.”

Cold air, dry weather, and viral or bacterial infections are the key factors behind the increase in sinus and ear problems during winter. With simple preventive measures, adequate hydration, protecting the nose and ears, and seeking early medical care, most people can manage these seasonal issues effectively and reduce the risk of complications.