Latest news with #MartinSeeley
Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Sleep expert shares hack that may beat insomnia
Rather than getting into bed, lying down and hoping you'll get the kip you need, you should instead try this If you struggle to sleep and always seem to be Googling how to beat insomnia, a simple night-time change could be what it takes to get you back to having a restful nights sleep again. The advice comes from MattressNextDay sleep expert Martin Seeley. He encourages people to give it a go, explaining that it helps both the mind and body relax. Mr Seeley wants people to try a sleep meditation, explaining: "Unlike regular forms of meditation, which focus on encouraging alertness and awareness throughout the day, sleep meditation looks at preparing your mind and body for rest through physical and mental relaxation techniques, such as guided breathing and other common well-being practices." According to the sleep expert, research shows that "meditation increases the production of both serotonin and melatonin"," two hormones closely linked to sleep. These hormones activate areas of the brain involved in the sleep process. Meditation has also been shown to reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure and alleviate anxiety - factors that help calm the mind and pave the way for a deeper, more restful sleep. All of these benefits contribute to a significantly better night's rest. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique Begin by placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth Inhale through your nose for four seconds Hold the breath for seven seconds Exhale through your mouth for eight seconds as if you're blowing out a candle Continue for as long as you feel comfortable and let the calming effect of this breathing pattern help you relax, he further suggests. 'Train your mind' Another technique for meditation to get to sleep is about "training your mind to take your body to another level". To start with, picture a ball of warm, pure, energised light hovering above your forehead From here, focus on how pleasant, regenerative, and restorative it feels. Give yourself plenty of time to embrace this sensation and allow it to thrive Imagine this pulsating ball of light becoming a liquid and travelling slowly down from your head and spreading over the entirety of your body, engulfing you in its warmth Hold these thoughts for as long as you can, allowing yourself the time and mental space needed to absorb how the sensation makes you feel, before slowly releasing it. What time should I meditate before bed? The sleep expert said that "the perfect time for meditation is a subjective matter, and you might, for example, find that you benefit more from this sort of activity by doing it right after you get in from work." If you're someone who is busy and may not get a chance to do much before they lie down for the night, then it could be best doing this as you go to bed, he suggests.
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I tried a buy that promises to keep bedding spotless when you fake tan – I was boiling but my sheets stayed pristine
AS much as I love the look of fresh white bedding, you'll never see me buying it - because as a dedicated fake tan lover, that's simply not an option. While Advertisement 5 As someone who fake tans religiously, I know how annoying it can be to constantly ruin your bedding Credit: supplied/kate kulniece 5 I tested out a viral 'sleeping bag' that promises to keep your sheets pristine Credit: supplied/kate kulniece 5 Scroll down to see whether this comfortable bag is worth the hype Credit: supplied/kate kulniece Naturally, I've also come to accept that my bedsheets will be forever ruined - something which millions of tan-loving Brits can relate to. According to data, spring is usually the time pale beauty buffs start to whip out their fake tans to prepare for the sunny season ahead - and Google Trend Data reveals a 9,900 per cent uplift in the term fake tan bedsheets. Martin Seeley, from This colourant helps you see where you've applied the product and ensures even coverage, however, it can transfer onto fabrics and in turn, cause Advertisement read more on beauty While there are plenty of wallet-friendly hacks to banish the stubborn stains - which also include a bizarre 'milk soak' - I'm on the hunt to find the best way to prevent the orange staining in the first place. Numerus retailers and brands have since come up with a solution - special Keen to see whether they work - or will leave me all tangled up - I tried a ''tanning bag'' by Baby pink and extra large for you to spread out in, this fake tan must-have sells for £28.50 - and while it may not be the cheapest solutions out there, it's certainly cheaper than having to constantly replace bedding. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive Once the bag arrived, it was time to put it to test - will it really spare my poor bedding from looking like it's been dragged through a swamp? After I laid out the overalls-style bag on my bed, I was gobsmacked by the size - I'm a tall 5'9'' girlie and my build is a far cry from that of a ballerina, but the bag was mega even for my standards. I'm a bikini waxer - you're making a fake tan mistake & here's the reason why your privates are kicking up a grim smell Neatly sitting on my bed, the two legs were so huge I was convinced there would be enough space for two people - quite handy if your partner loves tanning too. The sleeping bag also features a special compartment to prevent your pillow from soaking up all the fake tan goodness. Advertisement Freshly fake tanned, I crawled into the sleeping bag - and was instantly amazed by how comfortable it was. One of the biggest bonus was the leg compartment - which made me feel as if I was in my very own cocoon. Fabulous' £10 Fake Tan Test FINDING the perfect fake tan isn't easy. That's why Fabulous tested a number of fake tans which cost less than £10.. *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Superdrug Solait Self Tan Mousse Medium - £4.79 (was £5.99) - Buy Now Tester: Abby Wilson, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer Review: "This product give a very natural looking tan and if you wanted something a bit bolder, I'd suggest leaving it on longer or choosing a darker shade. I'm impressed with the results, but now my entire room stinks of the stuff. If you're on a budget and want a tan for last-minute plans, I would say this is one to try. " bBold Dream Mousse Tan in Dark - £9.50 - Buy Now Tester: Josie O'Brien, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer Review: "The first thing that hit me about this tan was the 'juicy watermelon' scent - it's delicious. I was left with a natural bronze hue rather than orange glow. My only qualm is that the tan seemed to stick to my dry patches and accentuated 'strawberry skin' on my legs. I'm still adding this tan to my arsenal though - the smell, colour and texture are dreamy." St Moriz Professional Medium Tanning Mousse - £4.99 - Buy Now Tester: Kate Kulniece, Fabulous Writer Review: "Not only does St. Moriz mousse leave you with a gorgeous bronzed glow, but it also smells fabulous - think Piña Colada on a sunny beach. At first, I was a little bit sceptical cause I'm a gradual fake tan girlie, but this quick developing St. Moriz number may change it all." And if you fear you might feel suffocated or However, whilst the light material is advertised as ''breathable'', I was boiling throughout the night - but that could also be down to the fact it was one of the hottest night's Brits have experienced this summer. Advertisement As I finally managed to fall asleep well past midnight, my bladder woke me up - which is when I realised that nipping to the loo wearing this mega costume would be challenging. Not keen to trip over and break my ankle, I slipped out of the pink sleeping bag - before crawling back inside. So if you're also prone to desperately wanting to pop to the toilet in the middle of the night, this is something worth factoring in. The morning arrived and it was time to step outside my new bedding bestie - and while it did seem quite gimmicky at first, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it had worked. Advertisement My light grey bedsheets looked just as fresh as it did before my fake tan ritual, despite my worries the mousse with seep through the bag. The light pink bag, albeit covered in some inevitable stains, also looked practically untouched - although if it does get dirty, you can wash it at 40C. As someone who marinates in fake tan twice a week and knows just how grim the bedding can look by the end of it, I cannot recommend this fabulous find enough. And it seems, I'm not the only one - the dozens of rave five-star reviews speak for themselves. Advertisement 5 The pink bag, which sells for under £30, came with extra leg room - a bonus I hugely appreciated Credit: supplied/kate kulniece 5 Although I didn't have high hopes, I was amazed at how well this product worked - it's a must for fellow fake tan lovers Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK households must turn their fans off by this exact time due to hidden danger
As the UK prepares for a weekend heatwave, many of us will be tempted to leave the fan on overnight to help us get a good night's sleep - but experts have warned against it for one major reason UK households are being cautioned not to leave their fans on at certain times during the heatwave. With temperatures predicted to reach 30 degrees in some regions this weekend, many will be turning to their fans as a means of cooling down. However, while it might be tempting to keep your fan on throughout the night for a more comfortable sleep, it could lead to unforeseen health and comfort issues. Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay, has highlighted five main reasons to avoid sleeping with your fan on all night, warning that it can have negative consequences. Fans circulate allergens and dust "Fans don't just move air, they also circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens that have settled on your furniture and fan blades," Martin points out, reports the Manchester Evening News. "If you suffer from allergies or asthma, this can exacerbate your symptoms overnight, resulting in sneezing, coughing, and congestion by morning." They can cause eye and skin dryness. "Constant airflow from a fan can dry out your skin, eyes, and nasal passages," Martin elaborates. "This dryness can lead to irritation, sore throats, and even trigger your body to produce excess mucus, making you feel more congested and uncomfortable." You're more prone to muscle stiffness "Fans blowing directly on your body can excessively cool muscles, causing stiffness or cramps, particularly in your neck and shoulders," Martin cautions. "This can result in you waking up feeling achy and tense." You may get a headache "The cool, dry air can irritate sensitive areas and trigger headaches, especially if you already have a headache tendency or haven't kept yourself well hydrated throughout the hot day," Martin notes. "This makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. "You risk overcooling your body," he warns. "Your body naturally lowers its temperature to initiate sleep, but excessive cooling from a fan can interfere with this process," says Martin. "This disruption can cause fragmented sleep and reduce the amount of deep, restorative rest you get." Martin adds: "To be clear, there's nothing wrong with using an electrical fan to cool down your room as long as you only use it for a short period. "I'd, therefore, recommend that you turn your fan on 30 minutes before you plan on going to sleep, and then once it's time to go to bed, set it on a timer for a further 60 minutes. This will help you cool down enough to go to sleep, without exposing yourself to the risks of all-night airflow." In addition, Martin has shared seven tips for staying cool at night that you might not have considered. Try the "Egyptian method" "Dampening a sheet or towel with cool water and using it as a light cover can create a natural evaporative cooling effect," Martin said. "As the water evaporates, it draws heat away from your body, helping you feel cooler without the need for constant fan use. For best results, combine this with a fan set on a timer to circulate the cooler air briefly before switching off." Pop your socks in the freezer before bed "Try freezing your socks or a bandana before bed. Wearing them as you fall asleep can help cool your feet or neck, which are two key pulse points that play a big role in regulating your body temperature," says Martin. Cool your wrists under cold water "Alternatively, you can run your wrists under cold water for a few minutes before bed, or soak your feet in cool water," Martin suggests. "These pulse points help lower your core temperature quickly." Create cross-ventilation in your bedroom "Take advantage of natural airflow by creating cross-ventilation in your room," said Martin. "Open windows and doors on opposite sides to push hot air out and pull cooler air in, which can be much more effective than relying solely on a fan." Turn your pillow over "Don't underestimate the power of flipping your pillow or sheets to the cooler side," the expert says. "Sometimes, just that brief cooldown can make a big difference as you're trying to fall asleep." Avoid sleeping in the buff "It's a common misconception that sleeping naked is always best in the heat, but I actually recommend wearing lightweight pyjamas made from natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo, and using the same materials for your sheets," says Martin. "These materials are excellent at wicking away sweat and promoting airflow, which helps regulate your body temperature far more effectively than synthetic fabrics or sleeping nude. Avoid alcohol "Avoid alcohol in the last three hours of the day", Martin says. "You may be tempted to have a post-work drink to unwind during a hot evening, but it's best to avoid alcohol for at least three hours before bed. "Alcohol raises your core body temperature and can disrupt your sleep cycle, making you feel even hotter and more restless throughout the night."
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
5 tips for allergy proofing your bedroom to beat the high pollen count
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. For the past couple months, the UK has been experiencing a very rare – but very welcome – heatwave, but with the heat has come a high pollen count. This week, many areas in the UK have been hit with a high pollen count warning by the Met Office, which isn't great news if you're an allergy sufferer. An increased pollen count can make you feel itchy, uncomfortable and sneezy – and that's not just when you go outdoors. Pollen, dust and other allergens can easily get inside your home and trigger your allergies, but it's even worse when you're trying to sleep. To find out more, I spoke to Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay who explained the five most practical ways to minimise pollen indoors and allergy-proof your bedroom. Opening doors and windows is a quick, easy way to cool down when the weather gets scorching. But this actually affects how much pollen enters your home, as it's easily carried in by the wind and lands on furniture. This is particularly bad for your bedroom, as pollen settles on bed sheets and can make your allergies worse while you're trying to sleep. To avoid this, Seeley recommends keeping 'bedroom windows closed to prevent pollen from coming in. If you need to cool down your room, consider using a fan with a clean filter to circulate fresh air without letting pollen inside.' In general, you should be washing your sheets at least once a week or every two weeks. But when the pollen count is high, it's best to wash your bedding at least once a week to minimise pollen build-up. 'If your bed sheets allow it, wash them at a high temperature as this helps remove pollen particles and other allergens,' says Seeley. 'I'd also recommend using a non-bio, fragrance-free detergent, as strong fragrances can make bedding attract more particles.' As it's hot outside, you might be tempted to dry your bedding outdoors to save money on your tumble drying. But 'on high pollen days, this can cause pollen particles to stick to the fabric, worsening allergy symptoms,' Seeley warns. Instead, give your sheets a good shake after washing to separate the fibres and speed up drying, before hanging it indoors or using your tumble dryer. Try to wash sheets in the morning so you can take advantage of the natural air flow and warmer temperatures throughout the day, so your sheets can dry quicker even when indoors. Pollen sticks to absolutely everything, including your floor. Carpets and rugs tend to trap pollen in their fibres, so make sure to vacuum your bedroom every two days to remove pollen from your house. Seeley recommends 'using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap small particles and remember to vacuum under your bed, as this is another dust-mite hotspot.' If you're really suffering with allergy season, consider removing rugs from your bedroom and other rooms in the house to avoid excess pollen and dust. Aim to dust your house every few days, especially on window sills, shelves and bedside tables, as 'these are common places where pollen can collect.' During the hotter months of the year, switch to lighter duvets and sheets so you don't get too hot and bothered. When you do this, consider switching to different mattress and pillow covers to reduce allergen exposure. Seeley states that 'using dust mite covers on mattresses and pillows creates a barrier between the dust mites and the person sleeping on the bed… Opt for hypoallergenic covers or a mattress protector to provide an extra layer of protection.'
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The travel mistake everyone makes that puts you at risk of SCABIES, expert warns
Holidaymakers are making a critical mistake that is putting them at risk of a deadly Victorian skin disease, an expert has warned. According to sleep specialist Martin Seeley, dumping your luggage on a hotel bed could put you at risk of scabies—even in the fanciest of places. The microscopic mites that cause the infection are often found burrowed into bed linen and mattresses, and can easily jump into bags and ultimately travel home with you, he warned. Instead, he told The Mirror, travellers should keep bags elevated on a chair and stool and if you're worried the room isn't clean 'only take out what you need'. Mr Seeley's alert comes amid a 74 per cent increase in scabies cases in NHS hospitals across the country between 2023 and 2024, as well as a 35 per cent rise in infestations of bed bugs since 2022. The highly infectious condition is caused by tiny mites that work their way into the skin, and can spread via person-to-person contact. It causes intense itching, which is mostly noticed at night, typically between the fingers, or around your wrists, elbows, waist and genitals. It can also be accompanied by small, red bumps or track-like burrows on your skin, according to Mr Seeley. 'When staying in hotels or holiday rentals, a quick inspection can go a long way,' he said. 'Check mattress seams, bed frames, and behind headboards before settling in and unpacking your belongings'. Telltale signs of bed bugs meanwhile, are 'small reddish-brown spots on your sheets, moulted skin, or clusters of tiny bites, often in a line or zig-zag pattern,' said Mr Seeley. 'You'll usually find bed bugs in the seams and folds of your mattress if they have decided to take residence.' If you've returned home and discovered bed bugs, you should act quickly, he warned. 'When attempting to eradicate bed bugs, begin by vacuuming thoroughly and remember to dispose of the collected dirt immediately in an outside bin. 'Wash and dry all bedding or clothes… and consider steam cleaning your sofa in case they've transferred there too.' As for scabies: 'Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (at least 60°C)… any items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours. 'You should also make sure that anyone in your household who may have been exposed is treated at the same time to prevent re-infestation.' The NHS advises seeking advice from a pharmacist if you believe you have scabies, who can recommend a cream or lotion. However you should see a GP if you have a child under the age of two, and they or someone in your household has symptoms of scabies. Similarly you should see a doctor if you have skin that may be infected, have eczema, notice crusted or flaky skin, or if symptoms persist two to four weeks after treatment. Fortunately, while bed bug bites and itching from scabies can keep you up at night, the expert from at MattressNextDay shared simple ways to get a better night's sleep. Most commonly bed bug bites cause itchiness, swelling and welts, which can be relieved by taking and antihistamine and keeping the room cool, he suggested. Meanwhile, if you have scabies, applying a prescribed topical treatment at bedtime, keeping your room cool, and using lightweight bedding, can help. He added: 'Trimming your nails can prevent you from scratching too hard in your sleep and causing further infection.' It is also a good idea to invest in a high-quality mattress protector, but you should remove and wash it regularly, he added. He also recommended hoovering your bed frame, wiping down the headboard, and dusting any areas around your bed frequently. In 2023, a number of viral social media videos showed what appeared to be infestations of bed bugs on the London Underground. TikTok and Instagram users urged Transport for London (TfL) to 'sort it out' in the footage, which has been watched millions of times. The clips came amid fears that an infestation of 'super-bedbugs' in Paris, which resulted in hotels and transport being put on red alert, would sweep through the UK.
