In this week’s Sleep Diaries, a 38-year-old PR manager wonders why she’s sleeping so lightly. Could mindfulness meditation be the answer?

A little about me:

Age: 38

Occupation: PR senior account manager

Number of hours sleep you get each night: six or seven

Number of hours sleep you wish you got each night: eight

Any officially diagnosed sleep-related problems: no

Do you measure your sleep in some way (e.g. using your phone or wearable): no

How much water you drink on average per day: 1-2 litres

How much exercise I do on average per week: three or four hours

Day 1

It’s a busy evening rushing the kids to their clubs, catching up on housework and arranging a friend’s birthday celebrations, so dinner is a quick veggie pasta at 5pm. At 6pm I take the dog for a walk across fields – the fresh air feels good– and then I put my 6-year-old to bed at 7.30pm. She likes me to stay with her until she falls asleep so I use the time to lie down flat on my back on the floor and take some deep breaths. It feels like the first time I’ve fully relaxed all day.

At 8.30pm I have a cup of tea and some chocolate while chatting with my husband. My phone has been pinging with messages, so I reply to people then check emails, and start mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. I feel tired, but we still watch The Handmaid’s Tale – this episode is particularly violent and sad; it makes me feel on edge.

“Does meditation really help you sleep?” A sleep expert answers your questions