Meet Rituals’ new sleep ambassador, Dr. Shelby Harris

Quality sleep is the foundation of wellbeing, so to mark World Sleep Day (March 18, 2022) we’re delighted to announce our new resident sleep expert Dr. Shelby Harris. A top clinical psychologist, author and leading voice on sleep issues, Dr. Harris combines the best scientific research with smart holistic solutions to help create a better night’s rest.

Over the coming months as a Rituals ambassador, she’ll be sharing her insider advice here in our online magazine and on our social channels, revealing the simple everyday habits and small changes we can all make to encourage quality rest. Plus she’ll be creating routines and masterclasses exclusively for Rituals, combining her professional research with meditation, exercise and lifestyle tips to guide you on your path to soulful sleep.

“Sleep is, in my opinion, the baseline by which so many other things work well,” says Dr. Harris. “When you’ve had a good night’s sleep you think clearer, your memory is better, and you’re not as irritable. It helps you benefit more from any exercise or diet regime you’re following too. Plus, when you’re sleeping well routinely, you’re at a lowered risk of heart attacks, stroke, and high blood pressure. It’s a positive influence on practically everything.”

Simple ways to sleep better

Board-certified in Behavioural Sleep Medicine by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Harris runs a sleep clinic in White Plains, New York, and is also the author of The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia, a ground-breaking manual weaving together psychology and sleep science.

Through her writing, teaching and clinical work, Dr. Shelby’s evidence-based, non-pharmacological approach has already helped thousands of people across the world on their quest for better sleep. And as the new in-house sleep expert at Rituals, she will do the same for you. Whether you struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep or get good quality sleep, her holistic advice will reveal how to create healthy sleep routines and balance mind and body in the process.

“Sleep really does affect so many areas of our lives, and plays a huge part in our personal wellbeing,” says Dr Harris. “I’m delighted to be working with Rituals and can’t wait to help you on your journey to a better night’s sleep.

“One of the most important things I’ve learnt throughout my career,” she continues, “is that a good night’s sleep begins with the morning. So, to start our work together, here are three simple tips to maximise yours.”

1. Keep a consistent wake time: We don't have a body clock switch that says ‘weekday’ or ‘weekend’, so ‘consistent’ doesn’t mean just five days a week, it means seven! Choose a time that works for you and aim to get up around the same time every day. Make friends with your alarm clock!

2. Don’t linger in bed in the morning: Give yourself five to 10 minutes if you need it, but don’t linger any longer once it’s your wake up time.

3. Open the blinds: I am a fan of getting as much light as you can in the morning. Simply open your curtains as soon as you wake, or go for a quick walk. I exercise in the morning, so in winter I turn all the lights on so I get exposure that way. Plus I keep my Peloton treadmill and bike in front of a window.