You can’t bank sleep, but if you could January would be a pretty good month to give it a shot. After all the festivities of Christmas and lack of routine, January tends to have a nice rhythm to it, settling back into normal life.

Farmers that are facing into lambing and calving season know that a springtime of disturbed sleep is likely to be on the horizon. And so, these quiet, dark weeks are an opportune time to embrace the power of a good night’s rest.

This theme runs through this week’s edition of Irish Country Living, as we profile Michael Burke, founder of Woolow, a company in Co Galway that promotes restorative sleep through the creation of pillows and bedding, made with Irish wool.

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Michael is from a mixed farm in Dunmore and so by using Irish wool, he and his team are putting a real value on the by-product of the sheepmeat sector. All the wool comes from his farm, or is sourced locally.

But it’s not just that, he is keen to emphasise the importance of laying your head on a natural product for eight hours of your day. In our health article (page 12), you’ll find some interesting research on sleep while our Desperate Farmhusband (page 9) talks about getting himself in top shape, ahead of calving season, acknowledging that good rest and exercise now could pay off in the months to come.

It’s estimated that between 300,000 and 400,000 people in Ireland embrace Dry January, taking a break from alcohol after the party season that is Christmas. Like many others, I’ve been replacing my Saturday evening glass of wine with something a bit more zero-zero – and I’m enjoying the benefits. I’ve definitely noticed that I have more energy right throughout the week. This recently led me down a rabbit hole of research on the impact that alcohol can have on our sleep.

Many people are aware that alcohol can disturb sleep and that even if you get a good eight hours after a few glasses of wine or beer, you can still wake up feeling a bit wrecked. That’s because alcohol disturbs our REM sleep and the full restorative rest that we need. But what I’ve found fascinating is that this doesn’t just impact sleep directly after you’ve consumed alcohol.

I’ve definitely noticed that I have more energy right throughout the week. This recently led me down a rabbit hole of research on the impact that alcohol can have on our sleep

Studies show that it can take a few nights for that REM sleep to appear at normal density and even several weeks for sleep cycles to stabilise properly, especially after a busy Christmas season where there have been catch-ups with friends and late nights.

What this also means is if you’re someone that tends to enjoy a few drinks most weekends, it’s possible that you’re never giving your system a proper chance to sleep properly. That’s something that has made me consider turning Dry January into Dry February and March.

If you struggle with sleep, head to page 12 for some good advice. On the nights I’m really struggling, I find a pillow spray helps. Ground Wellbeing is a company Cork-based company and its sleep products contain natural essential oils to help calm and slow a racing mind – and they smell fab.

And don’t forget the basics, whether that’s getting more exercise and fresh air, eating your dinner a little earlier or reducing screen time. These small changes can make a big difference.