Claire Davies (CSSC)

Managing Editor of Sleep, Certified Sleep Science Coach

As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, Claire is qualified to help people optimize their bedrooms for better sleep, and to help them develop the best sleep routine and habits, and to find the right products for their individual needs. In her role as the Managing Editor of Sleep, Claire oversees all of Tom's Guide's sleep health content, as well as our buying guides covering everything from the best mattresses to the best sunrise alarm clocks. Claire is connected to a wealth of sleep doctors, neuroscientists and charted psychologists, and loves helping readers to track down the right solutions for a comfy night's rest.

Latest articles by Claire Davies (CSSC)

This split screen image shows a woman in a dark bedroom on the left hand side, with her hands over her face struggling to wake up because she feels so groggy at 6am. On the right hand side a woman is sitting on the edge of her bed at 6am with her arms outstretched, looking out her window at a bright sun with a halo of blue light around it.

Exclusive: I kept waking up exhausted until a NASA scientist shared her $0 lab-tested tip for beating morning grogginess — here’s how it works

By Claire Davies (CSSC) Published 30 July 26

Blue light isn't the enemy, it’s a powerful biological switch—we've just been using it at the wrong time of day

Sleep

Pink, blue and white bedding being on a clothesline outside on a bright sunny day

'Sun washing' pillows and bedding in a heatwave won't kill dust mites and fungi — this exact temperature will, infection expert says

By Claire Davies (CSSC) Published 21 June 26

Hanging your pillows, comforter and sheets out might freshen them up, but a top infection prevention expert warns that the viral UV sanitizing trend is just an illusion.

Pillows & Bedding

A well-rested woman with dark hair piled up in a messy bun sits on the edge of her bed and stretches her arms up while facing a sunny window early in the morning

5 things I do at night to wake up with energy each day — tips from a sleep coach who used to have insomnia

By Claire Davies Published 29 March 26

I stopped chasing the ‘perfect’ night's sleep and started using this science-backed routine to stay asleep and wake up refreshed

Sleep

Sleep Awareness Week 2026 is here — our guide to the best tips, tech and advice to help you sleep better

By Claire Davies Last updated 14 March 26

Presented by Helix Sleep

Our guide to Sleep Awareness Week 2026 features expert interviews, the latest longevity science, and the top-rated tech to help you sleep better.

Sleep

A woman with long dark hair blows her nose in bed because she is sick

Doctor reveals common bedroom item that acts as a ‘reservoir’ for the flu virus – plus how often you should wash your bedding when sick

By Claire Davies Published 21 December 25

This is exactly how long the flu virus lives on your bed sheets and mattress – plus how often doctors recommend cleaning your bed when you’re sick

2 Comments

Sleep

A good mattress makes a big difference to how well you sleep — here's why

By Claire Davies Last updated 17 November 25

Your mattress has the biggest impact on how comfy (or not) you feel in bed, how quickly you fall asleep, how often you wake up during the night, and how refreshed you feel in the morning

Mattresses

Our mattress tester wearing black silk pyjamas laying on her back on the Birch Elite mattress on wooden bedframe in warm lit bedroom with bedside plant, chair, unit, lamp and checkred rug

Don't ignore the 9 key signs that it’s time to buy a new mattress

By Claire Davies Last updated 7 November 25

Is it time to replace your mattress? Here are nine telltale signs you need a new one — and three that you just need a new bed topper

Mattresses

A member of our sleep team lies on her side on the Nolah Original Mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom

What are mattress trials and how do they work?

By Claire Davies Last updated 4 November 25

Many mattress brands talk about their sleep trial periods, but what are they and how do they work? We have answers.

Mattresses

A woman sits cross-legged on a bed with her eyes closed and her fingers held in a meditative position.

The 'perfect, portable stress antidote' — how to use the 4 7 8 breathing method to fall asleep fast

By Claire Davies Last updated 29 October 25

Presented by Nectar

The 4 7 8 sleep method involves a simple breathing technique that's surprisingly effective against anxiety, stress and bedtime worries.

Sleep

The Military Method promises sleep in 2 minutes — but what is it?

By Claire Davies Last updated 27 October 25

How to use the two-minute Military Sleep Method to fall asleep fast and quieten a racing mind before bed.

Sleep

Testers inspect the newly unboxed DreamCloud Classic mattress.

Mattress jargon buster: Our expert glossary explains all the key terms you'll come across while bed shopping

By Claire Davies Last updated 24 October 25

Confused by all the technical talk when bed shopping? Our mattress jargon buster explains all the key terms you need to know

Mattresses

How to choose a mattress — tips from an expert

By Claire Davies (CSSC) Published 27 August 25

Whether you prefer firm, medium or soft support, choosing a mattress doesn’t have to be rocket science — here’s how to do it easily and within budget.

Mattresses

A woman in a khaki green sleeveless top holds a white colander full of freshly washed raw spinach, a magnesium rich food that has multiple benefits to a person's health and sleep

I take magnesium for better sleep, but can a varied diet deliver the same results? I asked three dieticians

By Claire Davies Published 8 June 25

I’m considering ditching my magnesium glycinate supplement after adding more seeds, greens and beans to my diet. Here’s why…

Sleep

A woman with dark brown hair lies on her side staring at the back of a white alarm clock that shows the time as 2.30am

3 sleep hygiene tips that got me back on track after endless nights of being unable to sleep

By Claire Davies Published 13 April 25

These aren’t quick fixes, but they could help break you out of a sleep rut

Sleep

Two delivery men unload a white mattress from their van as part of a White Glove Delivery service

Mattress White Glove Delivery: What's included and how it works

By Claire Davies Last updated 11 April 25

We explain everything you need to know about mattress White Glove Delivery, including which brands offer it.

Mattresses

A man sits on a mattress on the floor placed on a hardwood floor so it sleeps cooler

5 reasons not to put a mattress on the floor — and 3 reasons why you should

By Claire Davies Last updated 21 March 25

Can you put a mattress on the floor? From mold to bed bugs, there are plenty of reasons not to, but some big benefits too.

Mattress Care

A woman with long dark hair falls asleep quickly in a comfy bed dressed with soft white linens

‘How do I fall asleep quickly?’ The top 3 tips I’ve learned as a sleep coach and ex-insomniac

By Claire Davies Published 16 March 25

Presented by Helix Sleep

How I went from struggling to fall asleep to dropping off in ten minutes or less

Sleep

Intrusive thoughts keeping you awake? Try this ER doctor ‘brain hack’ to fall asleep quickly

By Claire Davies Published 13 March 25

Presented by Helix Sleep

Cognitive shuffling for sleep is Dr Joe’s number one technique when intrusive thoughts strike

Sleep

Trouble sleeping? 5 things in your bedroom that could be sabotaging your sleep

By Claire Davies Last updated 11 March 25

Presented by Helix Sleep

How many of these sleep saboteurs are in your bedroom?

Sleep

I’ve been sleep deprived for over two years — my three top tips for easing symptoms

By Claire Davies Published 19 January 25

I’m a sleep coach dealing with longterm sleep deprivation. Here’s what I do day-to-day to reduce my symptoms of brain fog, fatigue and irritability…

Sleep Problems

A man with short and curly brown hair sleeps peacefully on his side in bed

I’m a sleep coach — my 3 best tips for better sleep this World Mental Health Day

By Claire Davies Published 10 October 24

Good quality sleep boosts your mental health. For World Mental Health Day 2024, I’m sharing the three best tips I’ve learned for better sleep.

Sleep

Sleep Awareness Week 2024 — how to become your 'best slept self' this year

By Claire Davies Last updated 16 March 24