Mrs Hinch and Marie Kondo spark surge of ‘cleaning-induced’ insomnia, TV GP warns – 7 tips to beat it
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MILLIONS of Brits battle cleaning-induced insomnia - waking up at night because of a struggle to keep on top of domestic duties.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed a third admitted lying awake at night thinking about the household chores they have to do.
Other chores putting Brits on edge include coats piled up higgledy-piggledy on coat hooks and clothes shoved into drawers, as well as dirty dishes and plumping pillows.
The research, commissioned by Dunelm, also found 64 per cent can’t unwind in the evening until they have cleared up after their dinner.
And a further three in ten admitted to eating their dinner later than they’d like, because they’re working through chores before they start cooking.
Stress related
To help alleviate the stresses of domestic duties Dunelm has partnered with Dr Dawn Harper, who sees people every week suffering with stress related illnesses.
Dawn will be working with Dunelm to help share tips on making your home less stressful and more mindful.
She said: “Trying to concentrate or relax around mess can be hard, I’m the first to admit that I find it hard to relax when surrounded by clutter.
“Just the knowledge that there’s dishes to put away, dust gathering on top of the TV or a bed to make, can really influence our stress levels and overall happiness.
Affects mental wellbeing
“This is an issue that genuinely affects the mental wellbeing of millions of Brits and the fact that it is impacting the sleep of British adults, according to Dunelm’s survey, is concerning given as a nation we aren’t getting nearly enough shut eye as it is.
“Luckily there are some simple tricks that only take a few minutes to help cut domestic chaos down.
“For example, try taking a few minutes to clear up mess as you notice it, rather than letting it build up to become a stressor.
“Prioritise keeping clear and clean the spaces in your home that should be your relaxing sanctuaries for example the bedroom, living area and bathroom so you always have havens to unwind in.”
Marie Kondo style
The study also found the rooms in the home causing the most anxiety with uncleaned mess, including the kitchen and living room.
As many as four in ten feel unsettled by shoes being left in the middle of the floor, and a quarter can’t handle clothes being shoved in the drawer, as opposed to being neatly folded and placed with care in true ‘Marie Kondo’ style.
A fifth admitted their kitchen cupboards are in disarray, with 78 per cent saying they can’t ignore crumbs on the side.
And more than a quarter of people claim it’s the master bedroom which causes them the most stress which, as Dr. Dawn suggests, can have a significant impact on sleep.
This is an issue that genuinely affects the mental wellbeing of millions of Brits
Dr Dawn Harper
Bedroom floors are causing a ruckus, as one in four believe they’re always likely to find something that needs clearing on their bedroom floor.
‘Floordrobes’ are becoming increasingly common, with those surveyed citing that they get dressed from the floor at least three days a week.
It also emerged a fifth of Brits worry what friends and family think of their tidying habits and home style.
In fact, just over a third ‘feel dirty’ when their home isn’t spick and span, while 18 per cent will feel claustrophobic in their own home when surround by heaps of mess.
Ways to beat insomnia
The NHS advises that insomniacs could try the following to help get a good night's sleep:
- Set regular times for going to bed and waking up
- Relax before bed time – try taking a warm bath or listening to calming music
- Use thick curtains or blinds, an eye mask and earplugs to stop you being woken up by light and noise
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, heavy meals and exercise for a few hours before going to bed
- Don't watch TV or use phones, tablets or computers shortly before going to bed
- Avoid napping during the day
- Write a list of your worries, and any ideas about how to solve them, before going to bed to help you forget about them until the morning
Persistent sufferers may find that over-the-counter sleeping pills can help, but these aren't without their drawbacks.
Sometimes, these pills can cause unpleasant side effects, and using them fails to address the issues - it just deals with the symptoms.
You should see your GP if you're finding it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep and it's affecting your daily life.
They may suggest keeping a sleep diary and will check your medical history for a cause if the above measures don't help to ease your insomnia.
However, the study revealed how social media is having a positive impact on the way people live in their homes as 29 per cent believe they’ve become better at keeping things clean and tidy thanks to cleaning gurus and influencers like Mrs Hinch, Style Sisters, and Marie Kondo.
Debbie Drake, Dunelm’s design director said: “Practical storage solutions are a top trend this year, and sales have definitely been driven by influencers like Mrs Hinch.”
Charlotte Reddington, who alongside Gemma Lilly, is part of celebrity home ‘detoxers’ Style Sisters, said: “With a few simple tips and tricks you can overhaul the tidiness of your home and in turn become more content and feel more relaxed.
“One of the easiest ways to prevent household mess becoming stressful is to buy storage containers immediately following clear-outs, rather than buying containers to fit existing items.
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"We suspect people associate a tidy home with feeling in control - if you can keep it tidy, you can keep your whole life together.
"However, this only works when everyone at home is on the same track - which any parents with teenagers will tell you is easier said than done.”
You can find more tips and tricks from Dunelm in partnership with Dr Dawn Harper and Style Sisters here.