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The relationship between our mind and our sleep is one that very rarely settles. The nurturing powers of sleep itself are underestimated all too often by a rapidly evolving world. And when we deprive ourselves of rest, it’s not just our physical energy that takes a blow, but our mental wellbeing too. In times when daily life already balances on the edge, the loss of sleep could prove truly detrimental.

So, in light of Suicide Awareness Month this year, we’d like to remember the paramount role the primordial need for sleep plays in how we feel, how we operate, and how we recover. A key link has been observed amongst cases of sleep disorders, such as insomnia and CFS, between the disruption of the sleep cycle and an increase in mental health illnesses. However, on the opposite side of the coin, preexisting illnesses, such as anxiety or depression, are often found to be the culprit behind sleep deprivation. It’s this spiralling cycle that we’ll be examining today.

The majority of adults are recommended to receive between 6 and 8 hours of sleep a night. During this time, our bodies go through alternating patterns of REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement); with each cycle typically lasting around 90 minutes. It is in this cycle that the body remarkably completes phases of muscle repair, memory restoration and hormone regulation.

However, when we prematurely cut this cycle, the phases of deep and light sleep are disturbed at irregular stages of completion. Physically, our energy levels and reaction times will be far depleted. Our arbitrary blood pressure and hormones lend themselves to tiredness, and the physical symptoms of anxiety. Mentally however, the effects are considerably more abhorrent. Expect to see spikes in irritability and anxiety amongst the shattered remains of cognitive function. Such a state will also cultivate low mood levels and erratic, irrational behaviour. Ultimately, the body will be unable to meet the demands of every day life.

An inability to sleep is also an all too common by-product of preexisting mental health conditions. Due to their wicked ability in manifesting themselves at various levels of sleep, it’s difficult to pinpoint any individual aspect; thus too making the symptoms even more difficult to combat. For example, anxiety may make it tricky to shut off the mind when it’s required, whilst depression often causes either cases of oversleeping or insomnia. Others however, such as the remembering of traumatic experiences, psychosis and PTSD, may exhibit themselves in the form of night terrors; it too being extremely capable of disrupting the sleep cycle.

Whatever shape your sleep demons inhabit, there are a range of remedies that can improve both the quality of your sleep and the state of your mental health; with our first point of call always being to impose regulation. When you regulate your sleeping pattern in the long term, your body will begin to fall into a pattern of rest, and you’ll be more naturally capable of falling asleep and waking up at consistent times. We’d also like to suggest that you avoid visual and physical stimulants an hour before bedtime. This includes the likes of caffeine, and any form of digital display. Not only will their presence stimulate the brain, but they’re also likely to induce anxiety or unhappy thoughts in an environment of mental isolation.

It’s also highly important that you prepare to sleep in a dark, comfortable environment, as this will trigger the production of the sleep hormone Melatonin. But this could be difficult in an increasingly glowing world, especially if you live in a densely populated area. That’s why we created our 3D Contoured Blackout Sleep Mask, which is able to shut out every light glimmer of light during your sleep; whilst also being comfortable to wear. Fortunately, this mask is amongst many other SMUG sleeping helpers in our shop.

Please sleep happy, and never forget to reach out for help if you ever feel like you need to. Samaritans - Call 116 123

Your Sleep Mask is perhaps your most intimate piece of nightwear. It hugs your face and delicate eye area night after night, keeping the outside light away from your sweetest dreams. In fact, some may struggle to remember their last slumber without it. But our sole question here today is this: is it clean?

Of course, when they’re fresh out of the packaging, our Sleep Masks are as clean as a whistle. But after long periods of repetitive use, even this remarkable, life-saving wonder collects a little dust. And although this accumulation builds up on a microscopic level, it’s no small problem!

But why should you clean your Sleep Mask? The exhausting truth of it all is that, no matter what your mask is made from - memory foam, Rayon Silk, and polyester are all in use here at SMUG - there’s no escaping the dreaded natural oils, sweat and bacteria we’re bound to encounter during the night. Your skin is at the top of dirt’s Hit List, and will experience irritation and even break out’s if the fabric is left unkept.

So to keep both your sleep consciousness and your skin clear, we strongly recommend following our fool-proof guide to washing your SMUG Sleep Mask; whatever type you’ve fallen in love with.

Fortunately, washing machines aren’t invited to this cleansing party. Just to reiterate, please keep your mask away from your washing machine! The fibres really won’t thank you, and the iconic domes of our Contoured Sleep Masks won’t fare much better either.

It all starts with a rinse. We recommend running your mask under a lukewarm tap rather than rinsing it in a bowl of water. This will whisk the dirt away, rather than moving it around to another area on the fabric. Turn the tap off, and add a small amount of Non-Bio detergent, no more than a table spoon’s worth, to the fabric. It’s super important that the detergent you apply caters to sensitive skin, as this will limit the amount of future irritation.

Massage this detergent gently into the soaked mask with clean hands; nothing too vigorous as it’ll likely disturb the structure of the mask otherwise. After 5 minutes have passed, and your mask is lathered in fragrant skin-friendly detergent, turn the water back on, but make sure the temperature is cool and fresh this time. Rinse the mask again, until the detergent is fully dissolved.

Next, you’re going to want to gently squeeze out the excess water, but no wringing! This entire process is about preserving the shape and structure of your mask. Using the palms of both your hands, press outwards into the domes of the mask, and the surrounding fabric, until it’s mildly damp. Set the newly cleansed mask out on fresh towel to air-dry, and then you’re all set to go!

Because this process takes a couple of hours for the fabric to dry, we recommend cleaning it in the morning, after you wake up. That’ll give your mask enough time to air-dry before you’re next due to hit the hay.

And that’s it! We recommend following these steps up to twice a month in order to keep your mask fresh, your skin clear, and your sleep ever so undisturbed.

These days, there just never seems to be enough hours on the clock. Endless commitments to the restless word outside spares little thought towards the primitive need for sleep.

However you’re finding the time to catch 40 winks on a busy schedule, there are some vital sleeping hacks you should definitely know about; especially if you’re searching for a more satisfying slumber. The hugely popular sleepwear company SMUG, who’ve been making dreams come true with their Contoured Blackout Sleep Masks, are here with 5 of their favourite tricks to a better night’s sleep:

1. Start a sleep ritual - Whether you’re turning in for the night, or just resting your eyes, creating habits in the approach to sleep will train your body to shut off naturally. Perhaps it’s taking a bath, or doing a set of stretches, always remember that the run-up to sleep is just as important as the sleep itself. This tip can be followed for napping too, just be sure that you’re aiming to rest at similar points throughout the day. Your body clock will thank you!

2. Shut it off, shut it out - Light and sleep don’t really mix, but unfortunately the world only ever seems to be getting brighter; especially during these summer months! The human body is remarkable, and will trigger an increased production of the sleep hormone melatonin within darker environments. Wherever you’re resting your head, make sure that it’s as dark and silent as possible for optimal sleep. This is best achieved with the use of a Blackout Sleep Mask and Memory Foam Earplugs - all available in SMUG’s online shop!

3. Get comfortable - Sleeping comfortably is so much more than just going to bed; in fact, it might just be our the most important feature on this list. As Goldilocks would have said, your sleeping environment needs to be “just right”, but should also take into account your own physical requirements. So do your research on the various types of hypoallergenic pillows if nighttime congestion is keeping you awake, and have a 1-on-1 chat with your mattress if your sore back is due an upgrade. It’s important to tailor the space for your individual needs.

4. You get out what you put in - The body is incredibly reactive to nutrients, and we should avoid the intake of high sugar and processed foods around bedtime; especially avoiding the intake of caffeine up to 3 to 4 hours before. However, remember that magic melatonin sleep hormone we mentioned in our second point? The good news is that this is actually a naturally occurring ingredient in particular foods, including almonds and walnuts, and can increase the blood levels of the hormone if eaten before light’s out, helping you to sleep much more soundly.

5. Keep it cool - Wherever you’re settling down, try to ensure that the room is kept at the right temperature. The perfect setting for perfect sleep is anywhere between 15°C and 19°C and will see that you’re much less likely to prove restless during your rest. Certain materials, such as silk, have proven highly efficient in whisking away unwanted temperatures, especially that of your emitted body heat - and this is exactly why SMUG have launched their very own line of Luxury Silk Sleep Masks!

Be sure to remember these next time your eyelids are feeling a bit heavy, and you won’t go far wrong from the most rewarding night’s sleep you’ve ever had!

In the current social and economic car crash that is 2020, there’s not one person who hasn’t felt the negative impact of Covid-19. Whoever you are and whatever your livelihood, it’s impossible to escape the pinch of the pandemic.

And with headline after frightful headline, hundreds of thousands of hardworking people are losing out on a good night’s sleep; with financial worry at the forefront of many minds. In a welcomed response to this however, SMUG, the creators of the incredibly popular Contoured Blackout Sleep Mask, are now making their expanding line of products even more affordable, all thanks to their new partnership with Swedish banking giant Klarna.

Just for those amongst you who are unfamiliar with e-commerce’s new fairy godmother, Klarna allows shoppers to pay for online goods either across 3 simple instalments, or within 30 days of purchase. There’s no interest on these payments, no hidden fees, and no BS. They also host an extremely popular mobile app, which allows users to track purchases and payments easily, with access to 24/7 support. Klarna have already built strong bridges with the most popular of online shopping platforms, including ASOS, Nike and Adidas, so of course it’s only high time that SMUG joined the payment party!

It’s not that any of SMUG’s products are bank-breaking purchases, for example, when compared to the eye-watering cost of buying a house, but their new partnership with Klarna will allow their army of loyal customers to shop with added peace of mind; something that everyone certainly needs right now.

And what a time for a collaboration such as this! Although they’re synonymous with the word ‘sleep mask’, SMUG are by no means a one-trick-pony. In fact, shoppers can now sink their teeth into SMUG’s ever-increasing range of tried-and-tested products. Their new SMUG Active range, which covers everything from resistance bands to skipping ropes, to collapsable water bottles, has been one such new release that has already proved incredibly popular; backed of course by killer feedback from the company’s powerful cult-following.

Accessibility to great products worth investing in couldn’t receive a warmer welcome right now, and SMUG's new partnership with Klarna is a living testament to this. For two companies where only the sky’s the limit, peace of mind in shopping and sleep couldn’t be anything else but a match made in heaven.

Face coverings have rapidly become a symbol of the new decade. And throughout their newfound place in our daily lives, they’ve come to represent much more than just a simple form of PPE, but rather, our collective effort in fighting the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

But as the number of new cases continues to fall around the world - the UK alone announced 516 new cases as of the 6th July, compared to the 901 reported exactly a week earlier - we need to open the discussion as to why face coverings should remain a vital part of our society, especially in this uncertain time, when the world is finally coming up for air.

To answer the question of why they’re necessary, we must first address how face
coverings work. Firstly, they prevent the inhaling of harmful airborne particles through the mouth or nose. The fine fibres of the mask create convoluted pathways through which the air you breathe must travel. Harmful particles become trapped by the complexity of the fabric by way of diffusion, internal impaction and interception; thus protecting the wearer. Secondly, they also reduce the amount of harmful particles someone expels into the air around them, often through sneezing or coughing; a common symptom of Covid-19.

So why should we continue to wear coverings, even though cases are on a downwards dive? The first truth is that even though the number of cases are falling, there still remains no real cure for the virus. The current target to develop such a cure is currently at least, 18 months away from commercial use. This means that the virus is still very much as deadly as it's ever been, and why essentially now is not the time to let our guard fall.

There has also been substantial evidence that the wearing of face coverings has significantly aided the control of new cases, especially within high density areas, as wearers are protecting others just as much as they’re protecting themselves. A single cough can launch up to 3,000 droplets up to 6 feet away, whilst the simple act of speaking can prove deadly if the mouth remains uncovered. The factors that contribute to the physical spread of Covid-19 are therefore greatly reduced if a covering is present.

And if properly maintained and applied, face coverings hold the ability to cultivate a healthier society. They’re currently adept in the fight against Covid-19, but are also extremely capable of preventing the contraction of other airborne diseases, alongside the inhaling of unwanted everyday pollutants. Imagine the amount of illnesses, active and dormant, that we as a collective society could prevent the spread of, if we all joined together to make face coverings a staple of our daily lives?

This is exactly why we have added a colourful array of face coverings to our shop, focusing on user comfort, UV protection, durability and stability. We hope that our new product will cultivate awareness to the long-term use of face coverings; a powerful contribution to our joint efforts against the Coronavirus pandemic.

So smile as the world is on the mend, but just be sure that it’s from behind your new SMUG face covering!

The relationship between the luxury martial of silk, and the natural wonder that is the human skin, has been one of thorough debate. Even after 6,000 years in use, wearers still wonder: does silk really offer any true benefit to beauty?

Our original range of highly popular contoured sleep masks were designed to protect your eyelashes, but their silky counterparts are here to save your skin.

So here’s the million-pound question: why silk?

It’s important to remember that a sleep mask will essentially be in contact with the most important area of your skin, that of the eyes and face, for between 6 and 8 hours each night. And when we sleep, our skin forms what are known as ‘crush wrinkles’, which are the result of friction between typically rougher materials, such as cotton bedsheets, and our skin. As silk is an incredibly smooth fabric however, this friction is significantly reduced around the face, and in turn, will prevent unwanted wrinkles from waking up with you.

Silk has also been clinically proven to keep the moisture in your skin where it belongs - in your skin! Although you might assume that your house is secure during your sleep, the real robbers are your cotton bedsheets; which will absorb the valuable moisture in your skin like a sponge. Silk on the other hand is far less porous, so you can sleep easy knowing that you’ll arise in the morning looking and feeling hydrated.

Another little-known benefit of silk is that its fibres are inherently amazing at regulating temperature. The fact that silk doesn’t absorb moisture means that it doesn’t garner heat. Keeping the temperature under the mask at a constant will result in quality, undisturbed rest night after night. And as an added bonus, silk sleep masks are far less likely to collect dirt and grease; which in turn will see their quality and cleanliness kept for far longer.

With all these incredible beauty benefits on offer, it’s no wonder that silk sleep masks are 2020’s must-have item! And with this level of research behind each of their products, the whole world is excited to see what SMUG will do next!

Take a look at the full range of colours and prints here.