I’ve had trouble sleeping since I was a little girl, so over the past few months I’ve been trying out various remedies and soothers, to see how they work out.

1. Kalms Sleeping Pills.

One of the more expensive options, you’re advised to take between 2 – 3 pills, one hour before bed time. They make you feel hazy, which is good for falling asleep but you can still feel the effects a little in the morning, which isn’t great for waking up fresh.

2. Badger Sleep Balm.

Simply rub the balm on your temples when you go to bed. It smells really nice, which makes it quite soothing and one pot will last you for ages.

3. Dr Stuart’s Valerian Tea.

The cheapest option, Dr Stuart’s Valerian tea will calm you down, like all good herbal teas and does a good job at making you feel sleepy. Make a cup or pot one hour before bedtime and sip away.

4. Valerian Oil.

To make the valerian tea even stronger, add a few drops of valerian oil. A concoction sure to knock any rough sleeper out. Just make sure to adjust the tea as you need it or you may sleep in a little bit too late (like Tom did).

5. Sleeping Pillow & Lavender Essential Oil.

When in doubt, get crafty! Sleeping pillows, filled with hops and dried lavender, are easy to make and just sniffing them will make you snoozy. You can learn how to make your own with my how-to on CO+K. For enhanced effect, add a few drops of lavender essential oil before bedtime.

Sweet dreams xo

I’ve been trying to correct my sleep, because I have a really bad sleeping pattern. So I loaded up on Red Bull for the mornings and sleeping pills for the night. Day 1 has been successful – in bed by midnight and up at 8.30 in the morning without feeling like a zombie. Let’s hope I keep it this way.

Yesterday I went to the Chinese supermarket to buy an interesting soda can to make a Soda Can Ashtray (to hold my jewelry, as I don’t smoke) and I also picked up some sago balls for making my own bubble tea (I’ve been missing it since leaving Canada). I also bought a packet of pocky sticks for Tom and I to munch in the cinema, like Pucca & Garu do.

The film we went to see was My Blueberry Nights, with Norah Jones in her first acting role. It was a bit of an odd production, an American film, shot to feel low-budget European.

Also, reduced flowers from Tesco are a great way to brighten up a dark Dundee flat.