There’s nothing quite like going to bed at night.
I know it sounds like a pretty simple concept but it is what it is.
After a long, tiring day, it's nice just to slide on to a cool sheet, plump the pillows, pull up the duvet and get cosy.
I don’t know about the rest of you but at the minute, I can’t keep my eyes open at night time and I look forward to going to sleep.
I’m ashamed to admit it but I’m usually in bed before ten o'clock every night these days (I’d be there earlier if I could) and if I stay up any later, I pay the price the next day.
I usually sleep the whole night through, unless the little lady cries out for her dummy and I will admit it is usually the hubby who gets up to see to her (I’m spoilt, I know).
I suppose I’m lucky in relation to my sleep.
While lots of new parents struggle through sleepness nights, we were blessed to have a baby who has always slept the night through and it’s been just wonderful. (Don't want to speak too soon.)
But I wasn’t always a good sleeper. I’ve experienced my share of insomnia in the past and I know how a change of season can upset the night time routine.
With the arrival of autumn and then the clocks going back last month, some of you may have been left struggling.
But as it turns out, you’re not the only ones.
New research has found that many people have trouble sleeping due to `cold and discomfort’ during the winter months.
In addition one in two couples argue about sleeping patterns whilst only a quarter of us leave the heat on during the night, due to money worries.
I was also surprised to learn that almost a quarter of us sleep in our dressing gowns for the extra heat.
As a result of the survey, researchers have concocted the formula for the `perfect night’s sleep’.
These include going to bed at exactly 10.37pm.
Now, I will start by pointing out that 10.37pm is like the middle of the night to me and I usually have many, many nods over me by this time. That is far too late for me (yes, I know I’m an adult).
The tops tips tell us that we should also bring one hot water bottle to bed with us and we should sleep under a 13.5 tog duvet.
We should also add one blanket to the mix, wear a pair of slipper socks, sleep on two goose feather pillows and dress in a pair of cotton pyjamas.
I will openly admit I don’t adhere to any of these rules when I’m hitting the hay.
Until fairly recently, I absolutely had to have a window open in the room before bed and during the night I had to have the vents open at least.
I had been like this for years until about three weeks ago when Darren and I both took a terrible cold and of course, I knew my window policy was to blame though I would not openly concede that.
So now, the window and vents are closed well before bed time and during the night but I often get too warm.
Also, I can not wear heavy pyjamas going to bed. Every night, come rain or shine, winter, summer, spring or autumn, I go to bed in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.
Slipper socks are also a no-no as are goose feather pillows.
So, it looks like I will have to forgo this sleep perfection list.
I’ll just stick to what I know, which includes being the first in on the cool sheets, hogging the bed and the duvet during the night and sometimes having a thrash about, which means yes, sometimes, you may suffer the odd smack on the neck or elbow in the back.
All of these add up to the perfect night’s sleep for me but as for my hubby, I’m sure it’s a different story for him but ah well, all’s fair in love and sleep.
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The party season is fast approaching so how do you fancy kick starting the festivities with a meal for two in a new Belfast brasserie?
The city’s latest culinary offering, Acton & Sons, combines a relaxed setting of exposed brickwork and dark wood interior with perfectly cooked high quality food.
Located on Brunswick Street, Acton & Sons is the perfect pit stop for hungry shoppers, commuters and families in the thriving Linen quarter.
The new eatery uses only the best locally sourced ingredients, serving firm favourites alongside fresh fish and sumptuous signature dishes of roast fillet of hake, tomato, chorizo and white bean stew and Guinness and honey glazed pork fillet, champ cake, celery and apple salad.
Acton & Sons is opening its doors to five lucky Irish News readers who have the chance to each win a two course pre-theatre menu for two.
The winners can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and chill out in the relaxing ambience of Acton & Sons, which is situated between the Grand Opera House and the Ulster Hall - perfect for pre-theatre dining.
If you fancy winning a voucher for Acton & Sons simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, November 24 at 12 Noon.
(Q) Where is Acton & Sons located in Belfast city centre?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot?
Chocolate Heaven - If you're shopping for a chocoholic this Christmas, check out the £40 Gold Shoe from Marks & Spencer. Made with Dominican Republic Single Origin Dark Chocolate and hand finished with gold lustre, it is sure to delight. Yum.
Most Valuable - Hunger Games actress, Jennifer Lawrence has been named the most valuable film star in the world. The Oscar-winning actress has also been crowned 'the leading movie star of her generation'. That's nice, I like her.
Hunk - Ryan Gosling has confirmed he is to star in Blade Runner 2 alongside original star, Harrison Ford. However, the young star refused to spill any information about the plot.
So Not!
Bored - I'm feeling less than impressed by the line-up for this year's I'm A Celebrity. I had been looking forward to the new series but have to admit, I'm a bit bored. The only celeb worth watching is Lady Colin Campbell, who could become a legend.
Disappointed - Fans of BBC drama, Call The Midwife have been left disappointed after Miranda Hart revealed her character, Chummy will not be appearing in the fifth series of the show because she was too busy with another project.
Velvet - It's the new `must-have' look this festive season, everything from velvet dresses to velvet suits and soon, everyone will be in on the action. Well, not me, I hate velvet, especially the feel of it. I'll pass on this fad, thanks.
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Competition
The winners of the Hunger Games competition are Paul McKibbin, from Carryduff; Anna Quinn, from Tyrone; and John Carew, from Belfast
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup.
You will need:
1 knob butter
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 large diced white onion
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
900ml vegetable stock
To Make:
In a pan, melt butter and add the oil.
Add onions, sweet potato and butternut squash and stir
Add stock and bring to the boil.
Simmer for around 45 minutes.
Pour the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.
Serve with crusty bread.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Marie Louise McConville,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
m.mcconville@irishnews.com
