Sleep. We all need it. But, how many of us actually get good sleep? According to research published last year, the answer to that question is: not many of us. In fact, the study found that 36% of adults in the UK struggle to get to sleep on a weekly basis, while nearly half of the UK have trouble falling asleep at least once a month. With that in mind, one doctor took to TikTok to reveal the "single most important thing" you can do to get better sleep.

Stitching his clip with another TikTok about the dangers of sleep deprivation – which include obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes and a shorter life expectancy, according to the NHS – Dr Karan Raj tells his followers that sticking to a sleep routine is crucial if you want to have a good night's rest. "This might be the single most important thing you can do to sleep better," he starts. "The suprachiasmatic nucleus in your brain, [also known as] the circadian clock, loves routine."

Dr Raj continues: "Imagine if, every day you go to bed around 11pm and wake up around 7am, eventually your body becomes used to releasing certain hormones like melatonin, which make you feel sleepy, at around 11pm and also releases hormones which wake you up around 7am or so."

Here's where it gets interesting. "Now imagine one day you decide not to go to bed at your usual 11pm, instead you go to bed at 3am. Your brain recognises your sleep routine has been fractured and assumes you're in a state of stress or some form of danger which is keeping you from your normal sleep routine. This translates to your brain wanting to keep you safe from a threat that doesn't exist, resulting in the release of stress hormones which cause reduced sleep quality and quantity. This way your brain can ensure you stay alert and awake to avoid this perceived threat."

Ultimately, Dr Raj advises that sticking to a consistent schedule when it comes to your sleep is vital for ensuring you get quality rest. "Sleep regulation is key, whether it's the weekday or the weekend," he points out. "Try to wake up and go to sleep at roughly the same time everyday."

So, there you have it. The secret to good sleep needn't have been such a mystery after all!

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Jade Biggs
Freelance Writer
Jade Biggs (she/her) is one of Cosmopolitan UK's freelance writers, working across all sections including entertainment, beauty, body, and sex and relationships. She previously held the position of Features Writer, covering everything from breaking news and the latest royal gossip, to the health and fitness trends taking over your TikTok feed. Jade has a degree in journalism and has been a journalist and content editor for ten years, interviewing leading researchers, high-profile influencers, and industry experts in that time. She is a cat mom to four fur babies and is obsessed with Drag Race, bottomless brunches, and wearing clothes only suitable for Bratz dolls. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.