This month in our series on what really goes on in a home, we curl up under the duvet and have a good night’s sleep

Insomnia is a mean and unhelpful thing. Anyone who has woken up at 4am, eyes wide and mind racing, knows how hard it is to get back to sleep. It can also be hard to get to sleep in the first place. There are, however, things that can ease your passage into the Land of Nod.

Essential oils: lavender, chamomile and marjoram are known to aid relaxation and help you sleep. Add a few drops to a warm bath before bed or sprinkle some on your pillow.
Music: small children know the restful power of the lullaby. Adults can do similar by rocking themselves to sleep with soothing tunes or with the sounds of nature. (Try the British Library’s free recordings, including gentle lapping waves, at sounds.bl.uk.)
A good book: reading (or listening to an audiobook) until you slump into slumber is one of the best ways to get to sleep. May also produce dreams.
The right curtains: your bedroom needs minimum light for maximum sleep. Lining your curtains with black-out fabric (137cm wide, £7.50 per metre, John Lewis) helps.
An electric blanket: wrap-around toastiness guaranteed when you slip between the covers on chilly nights.

Turn to page 118 of November’s The Simple Things for more sleep ideas and home truths.