As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Home · September 2, 2018

7 Things To Do When You Can’t Sleep

The aim of this article is to share 7 things that you can do to help you sleep. As a self-declared insomniac, I know how annoying it can be when you struggle to sleep. Lack of sleep to lead to lack of motivation to wake up and do any work.


Over the few years, I have shared tips on how you can improve your sleep. I have shared bedtime routines and talked about the importance of a good mattress. In this article, we will share other tried and tested tips that have worked for us. 

can't sleep

1. Have a Routine

Whilst other people can sleep at the drop of a hat, I, unfortunately, am not one of them. For me, it takes a longer time than usual before my body decides to sleep. Because of that, I have been forced to create a routine that supports sleep. This sleep routine consists of a few steps

  • Switch off all devices
  • Take a shower
  • Dress in comfiest pyjamas
  • Drink Chamomile tea

2. Practice Yoga or Meditate

Whilst I can not speak for meditation as I am still learning but it helps focus my mind. One thing I always do before bed is practice simple yoga moves that are relaxing. I have been attending yoga classes for years and it definitely helps with improving sleep.

Like yoga, meditation is all about focusing your mind to achieve mental clarity. It is not as easy as our minds are always working at 100 miles an hour. I use yoga to help me focus my mind on one thought and that’s sleep. It can take years before you can master meditation but I use Headspace App to practice.

can't sleep

3. Supplement with Natural Remedies

As a Pharmacologist, I know what drugs to do our bodies and what our bodies do to drugs. Because of that, whilst I appreciate the need, I prefer to take fewer drugs. Instead, I opt for natural remedies that provide the same pharmacological effects as drugs.

Recently I have been introduced to Neuro Rest –  a natural food supplement made by Utmost Me.



Utmost Me was founded back in 2016 by Richard, the company CEO. Like many of us, he struggled with long work hours and being a new dad. It’s this that motivated him to research about the brain activity, energy and focus. He tried a lot of ways to improve his sleep but still needed something that would improve sleep.

The company has two products, Neuro Rest and Neuro Focus, I have been testing Neuro Rest. Utmost Me claims this product reduces tiredness and fatigue whilst improving serotonin levels. Neuro Rest consists of their special sleep blend which is 100% natural, vegan, Gluten-free and GMO-free. 



In the last 10+ days, I have been using the product one thing that has been apparent is my quality of sleep. It’s still taking me a while to fall asleep but once I do, I don’t wake up until 7 am. Those who know me know I wake up at least 3 times a night. It has been a great change to not waking up after I fall asleep and thereby getting a good night’s sleep.

4. Invest in a Good Mattress

In all of my tips on how to enjoy a good night’s sleep, I have talked about the importance of having a good mattress. You can have all the best sleep routines in the world but if you don’t have a good mattress, your body will suffer.

One of the best mattresses that I recommend are foam mattresses, try Fuüm or Leesa. These are mattresses that I have personally tried and enjoyed a very good night sleep. In the past, I had mattresses that left marks on my body and weren’t comfortable. What I love about foam mattresses is they conform to your body shape and don’t leave marks.

Cant sleep

5. Buy an Alarm Clock

As a kid, one thing I despised was the sound of my alarm going off. Most of us use our phones for many purposes one of which is as an alarm. In hopes of getting a good night sleep, phones should not be used as an alarm. By a separate alarm clock and keep it far away from the bed.

Those of us with alarms on our phones we can attest to how many times we’ve pressed snooze. It is therefore important that we use a proper alarm clock instead of a mobile phone. With an alarm clock far away from the bed, we are forced to get out of best.

Cant sleep

6. Read a Book

I can not remember the last I time I picked up a good book to read before bed. These days almost all of us use kindles to read books but I do love a good hard copy. This reduces how much bright light I use before bed which we know can disrupt sleep.

These days, instead of a book, I pick up work protocols and procedures. I rarely get to page 10 before I start yawning and want to sleep. Most of my family, they prefer to read books before bed to focus their minds.

7. Set your environment

Before I go to bed, I always make sure my environment is my bedroom is conducive to sleep. I always make it dark and open windows for a cool breeze to sweep through. Another thing I always do is have lavender room scent sprayed before I sleep.

I am one of those people who can not sleep with bright lights on or noise. Although I can sleep to the sound of cars driving down my street but wake up to the noise of people talking. It is therefore important to make sure your environment will support sleep.

We hope you can implement these 7 things when you can’t sleep. It is also important to have stimulants before bed, no drinking caffeine at least 2 hours before bed. 

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Comments

  1. Jenni says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    Reading and a good mattress are a must for me. I tend to sleep quite well but my partner struggles a lot. he finds lavender on his pillow helps

    Reply
  2. Laura Dove says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    Great tips! I have had insomnia since the age of 13 so I have 25 years experience of trying to sleep!

    Reply
  3. Fashion and Style Police says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    The supplement looks great. It makes sense to have a sleep routine.

    Reply
  4. Sara Welch says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    I have such a hard time sleeping sometimes. This is some very useful information!

    Reply
  5. Tasheena says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    These are really great tips. I have to keep this post in mind for those nights that I can’t sleep.

    Reply
  6. Kara says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    The only problem I have with sleeping is trying to stop an overnight visitor who is small but seems to take up the whole bed

    Reply
  7. Vyjay Rao says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    Thankfully sleep is something that comes easily to me. But it can be quite irritating and leave one frustrated if one is not able to sleep properly. You have given some great pointers in this direction. One needs to mentally switch off to get a good rest and sleep.

    Reply
  8. Jon says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    Some fantastic tips here! I REALLY need to do some of these to get more sleep, it’s one area of my life that is MAJORLY lacking!

    Reply
  9. Amber Myers says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    We do need a new mattress, that’s for sure. I keep waiting for a superb sale.

    I haven’t tried supplements yet. Most nights I can sleep okay, it’s just when my husband snores or is shifty when I can’t.

    Reply
  10. Karen Morse says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    These are awesome tips on how to make sure you get enough sleep at night. A good mattress is really important. I love being able to sleep well because I have more energy and I feel more productive!

    Reply
  11. Destany says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    A lot of my problem, I fear, is my mattress! I do find that reading helps, as well as switching off devices. I’ve tried and tried to avoid taking any supplements, but if I do end up looking into this, Neuro Rest sounds good

    Reply
  12. Lisa Favre says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    I have to start meditating on a regular basis. I know it would help in my restlessness and my fatigue.

    Reply
  13. Terri Steffes says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    These are great tips. I am always looking for ways that might help me fall asleep faster. I take hours to really go to sleep these days.

    Reply
  14. candy says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    I am one of those people who can just fall asleep. Hubby not so much. These are all wonderful tips from the mattress to getting comfortable before heading off to bed.

    Reply
  15. Melissa Chapman says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    I am lucky I generally have no trouble sleeping unless I am troubled or stressed. I will look for those tablets for the times when i am having problems relaxing.

    Reply
  16. Kara says

    September 5, 2018 at 6:30 pm

    The only problem I have with sleeping is trying to stop an overnight visitor who is small but seems to take up the whole bed

    Reply
  17. Sara Welch says

    September 5, 2018 at 7:48 am

    I have such a hard time sleeping sometimes. This is some very useful information!

    Reply
  18. Laura Dove says

    September 4, 2018 at 11:36 pm

    Great tips! I have had insomnia since the age of 13 so I have 25 years experience of trying to sleep!

    Reply
  19. Jenni says

    September 4, 2018 at 9:17 pm

    Reading and a good mattress are a must for me. I tend to sleep quite well but my partner struggles a lot. he finds lavender on his pillow helps

    Reply
  20. Bella at Dear Mummy Blog says

    September 4, 2018 at 8:00 pm

    I can vouch for a good mattress! My folks are having real problems with their new one and it’s really affecting their sleep. Worth spending extra money to find the right one x

    Reply
  21. Bella at Dear Mummy Blog says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    I can vouch for a good mattress! My folks are having real problems with their new one and it’s really affecting their sleep. Worth spending extra money to find the right one x

    Reply
  22. Vyjay Rao says

    September 4, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    Thankfully sleep is something that comes easily to me. But it can be quite irritating and leave one frustrated if one is not able to sleep properly. You have given some great pointers in this direction. One needs to mentally switch off to get a good rest and sleep.

    Reply
  23. Lisa Favre says

    September 4, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    I have to start meditating on a regular basis. I know it would help in my restlessness and my fatigue.

    Reply
  24. Fashion and Style Police says

    September 4, 2018 at 11:34 am

    The supplement looks great. It makes sense to have a sleep routine.

    Reply
  25. Karen Morse says

    September 4, 2018 at 5:04 am

    These are awesome tips on how to make sure you get enough sleep at night. A good mattress is really important. I love being able to sleep well because I have more energy and I feel more productive!

    Reply
  26. Terri Steffes says

    September 4, 2018 at 12:29 am

    These are great tips. I am always looking for ways that might help me fall asleep faster. I take hours to really go to sleep these days.

    Reply
  27. Tasheena says

    September 3, 2018 at 11:11 pm

    These are really great tips. I have to keep this post in mind for those nights that I can’t sleep.

    Reply
  28. Destany says

    September 3, 2018 at 5:35 pm

    A lot of my problem, I fear, is my mattress! I do find that reading helps, as well as switching off devices. I’ve tried and tried to avoid taking any supplements, but if I do end up looking into this, Neuro Rest sounds good

    Reply
  29. Melissa Chapman says

    September 3, 2018 at 4:40 pm

    I am lucky I generally have no trouble sleeping unless I am troubled or stressed. I will look for those tablets for the times when i am having problems relaxing.

    Reply
  30. Amber Myers says

    September 3, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    We do need a new mattress, that’s for sure. I keep waiting for a superb sale.

    I haven’t tried supplements yet. Most nights I can sleep okay, it’s just when my husband snores or is shifty when I can’t.

    Reply
  31. candy says

    September 3, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    I am one of those people who can just fall asleep. Hubby not so much. These are all wonderful tips from the mattress to getting comfortable before heading off to bed.

    Reply
  32. Jon says

    September 3, 2018 at 9:49 am

    Some fantastic tips here! I REALLY need to do some of these to get more sleep, it’s one area of my life that is MAJORLY lacking!

    Reply

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