CAROLE HOCHMAN

My passion for sleepwear extends well beyond the pieces that I design and wear to bed each night. I see it as one ingredient of many (admittedly a key ingredient!) in the recipe for a happy, productive life.

Staying well-rested attributes so much positivity to my attitude and outlook, which of course means that falling behind on my sleep stands to leave me in rough shape. We face plenty of difficulties in life, but you might be surprised to learn how many of them can be avoided with some good old fashioned rest. Take a look at this fabulously useful slideshow from Huffington Post…And keep these warning signs in mind!

Sleep Well and Sleep Often!

Carole

I love my time with family and friends over the 4th of July.  It’s just one of so many special occasions throughout the summer when we’re all able to enjoy great (hot!) weather and togetherness.

If you’re traveling to be with family and friends over the holiday, or if you have guests for the occasion, here’s how I love to make the weekend even more relaxing:  dust pillows and sheets with a nice, fresh linen spray.  For the guest – This can be a great way to make new surroundings more comforting and relaxing for you and your family.  For the host – Whether you simply welcome your guests with freshly scented bedding, or whether you diligently reapply each morning and evening, it will serve as a subtle but noticeable gesture of care.

When coupled with the perfect pair of pajamas, linen spray can make a great night’s sleep even dreamier.  Try these luxurious options from Jo Malone, or this more modestly priced alternative from Crabtree & Evelyn.

Happy 4^th of July Weekend!

Carole

I have devoted my career to encouraging great sleep through sleepwear.  Even outside my design work, though, I am endlessly curious to read and discover new ways of enhancing sleep beyond what you choose to wear to bed…I want to take this opportunity to share some of my recent discoveries with all of you!

The June issue of Vogue includes a great article titled Dream State by Jancee Dunn.  In the article, Jancee explores prescription-free ways to achieve great sleep.  Here are some of my favorite tips from the article:

Eat Non-Fat Popcorn  I am a popcorn lover, so this tip is naturally top on my list!  This treat is high in fiber which creates two benefits:  It helps you to feel full at night when you might otherwise be prone to cravings (like me!), and it also creates a stable blood sugar level free from the highs and lows that have the ability to literally wake you up!
Drink Plenty of Water  When your body is dehydrated, it actually tries to create its own water balance by releasing hormones that may disrupt your sleep.  I always have a glass before bed, and one after I wake up!
Avoid Caffeine After 3pm  It’s not just your imagination if you feel like you grow more and more sensitive to caffeine as you age.  Research has found that the effects of the same amount of caffeine on people in their mid-40’s are about 50% stronger than they are for 21-year-olds…It takes around 6 hours for caffeine to leave the system of those 40-somethings!  So if you want to enhance your sleep, think twice before helping yourself to that second cup of coffee during your afternoon slump.
Restrict Your Sleeping As Needed  I appreciate this tip because it’s an honest one.  If you are someone who only sleeps for 6 hours a night, then don’t waste time in bed for another two.  Spending more time in bed than your body needs to can create a false sense of sleeplessness.  Know your body, and listen to it!

And last but certainly not least, here’s a personal sleep tip from me…Quiet mornings and evenings spent in your most comfortable pair of pajamas – the ones that make YOU feel best – are just as important as the sleeping itself when it comes to rejuvenation.  Treat yourself to a new pair of pajamas that you love, and I promise you’ll approach bedtime in a whole new way!

Sleep Well,

Carole