Like the food and the weather, the sleep you get (or don't get) is an important part of your experience of another country.

For an essential British sleep you should prepare yourself properly. Before bedtime slip a hotwater bottle into the hollow in the middle of the bed (this bottle should have a knitted woollen 'cosy' around it for extra comfort). Make yourself a hot cup of cocoa, or malted bedtime drink (please note: a True Brit does not drink herbal tea!) Dress correctly in striped winceyette pajamas or a brushed nylon nightie (ankle length). Check that you have a bedside table with a lamp, and a suitable English book, such as the Shorter English Dictionary in two volumes or the Works of William Shakespeare.

Make sure the cat is comfortable at the foot of the bed. Pull back the sheets of your four poster/ king size /double/ single/sofa or camp bed (under no circumstances accept a futon) and with a deep sigh of relief, collapse into bed.





Expressions to learn
Night, night, sleep tight.
Sweet dreams.

Avoid saying
My legs stick out of the end of the bed!
I couldn't sleep a wink last night!