We caught up with the luxury hotel’s in-house Sleep Concierge, Malminder Gill, to talk about her revolutionary service and why getting a good night’s kip has never been more important
Nod off at Mandarin Oriental
Sleep may seem like the most natural thing in the world, but for many it can be something elusive that inevitably effects the mind, body and spirit.
In Britain, sleeplessness is one of the most common complaints heard by GPs, with one in 10 adults suffering from insomnia and more than half the population (51.3 per cent) admitting they struggle to nod off at night.
Whether you’re an eight-hours-plus kind of sleeper or a Margaret Thatcher four-hours-a-nighter, getting a decent amount of quality sleep is scientifically proven to be essential for both mind and body. According to neuroscientist Matt Walker, sleep is a life-support system that is Mother Nature’s best effort at immortality. In his book Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, he champions the benefits of the optimal eight hours’ sleep on the brain: ‘Humans need more than seven hours of sleep to maintain cognitive performance.’ And the impact of sleep on mental and physical health has never been more prevalent. Joe Wicks, AKA the Body Coach, has been on a recent mission to spread the word of the importance of sleep for improving health and wellbeing – even more so than protein shakes and HIIT workouts. And medical professionals are increasingly seeing links between poor-quality sleep and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, paranoia and even psychosis.
‘Work commitments, relationship problems, addictions, health concerns and grief all contribute to poor sleep,’ says Malminder Gill, a trained clinical hypnotherapist with her own eponymous Harley Street clinic. ‘In general, I’ve noticed an increase in sleep troubles over the years, especially after lockdown. Phone usage, poor stress management and a lack of self-care in terms of nutrition and exercise all contribute to the disruption of sleep.’
This year, the multi-award-winning therapist has teamed up with Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London to launch a unique Sleep Concierge service. Luxury hotels pride themselves on delivering an exceptional home-from-home experience – spacious rooms, plush beds, blackout curtains and fancy bathroom amenities all contribute to a good night’s sleep – and Mandarin Oriental is leading the charge. The science of sleep also has personal connotations for Gill – whose interest was sparked after her own experience with insomnia.
‘The Sleep Concierge service allows guests to improve their sleep and, hence, their overall wellness journey,’ she explains. ‘Guests can schedule private one-on-one sessions with me in the [hotel] spa or in their suite for an hour of sleep therapy. The first appointment comprises a consultation and then moves on to sleep therapy, which involves hypnotherapy. The consultation allows me to curate something entirely bespoke for the individual.’
For many, a night or two away in a hotel – especially a luxurious five-star one – guarantees a great night’s sleep. While others struggle to nod off in an unfamiliar environment, succumbing to what’s known as the “first-night effect”. Which is where Gill’s work ‘calming people to the point of sleep’ sweeps in.
‘Poor sleepers are poor sleepers, regardless of location, but the Sleep Concierge will really help a guest settle into a good sleep,’ says Gill. ‘It can really benefit someone travelling on business, who desperately needs to sleep well to be rested for important meetings the following day.’
MALMINDER GILL’S TOP SLEEP TIPS
IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
‘The first step is to determine what’s impeding adequate sleep and then look at what may be done. This is why I always run a consultation with my clients first, so I can tailor a bespoke hypnosis to their needs.’
A FIVE-STAR EXPERIENCE
‘Staying overnight in a hotel is all about getting the basics right: high-quality pillows with options, good beds and quality mattresses, blackout curtains, and solid soundproofing. Putting things like a yoga mat in the bedroom will encourage meditation practice and hotels should think about the amenities provided in the bathrooms.’
TRAVEL AND STAY RIGHT
‘When travelling, bring something familiar with you, such as your own pillowcase. Other things to consider are a high-quality magnesium supplement, meditation practice and avoiding large, late-night meals.’
TRAIN YOUR BRAIN
‘Establishing and maintaining a sleep routine is recommended. Within 30 minutes of awakening, stimulate your circadian rhythm (body clock) by exposing yourself to morning light. In the absence of sunscreen or sunglasses, sunlight must penetrate the eyes and epidermis. Engaging in this practice is the initial step toward achieving improved sleep quality. Repeat the exercise in the evening but this time at sunset, irrespective of the conditions. This will assist in the body’s melatonin release. Also avoid eating three hours prior to bedtime.’
SAY NO TO SCREEN TIME
‘The brain is stimulated by the blue light emitted by screens. The algorithms in social media keep people hooked and this lethal combination results in a loss of good-quality sleep. When possible, sleep with your phone outside of the bedroom and I recommend my 3-2-1 bedtime routine, which is something I teach my clients. This means: three hours before bed, last meal or snack of the day; two hours before bed, no more screens; one hour before bed, hot shower and a sleep-inducing tea.’
The Sleep Concierge at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London comprises a one-hour personalised sleep-inducing hypnotherapy. Prices start from £550; visit mandarinoriental.com for more information.
