Welcome to ‘How I sleep’, a series where we quiz people about their bedtime habits. We’re asking experts, well-known faces and friends of GH to share their evening wind-down routines – along with all their best tips for a decent night's sleep.

This month, actress, presenter and Whitworths ambassador, Gemma Atkinson shares the simple hacks that have improved her sleep, plus the bedtime habits she swears by to get a good night's kip.

Is sleep important to you?

Sleep is the kind of the cherry on top of anything. There's nothing worse than sleep deprivation at any stage of life. I think anyone who's had a baby will tell you that's why the first six months to a year, depending on how well your child sleeps, are literally the hardest. Everything's just tougher - your concentration, your balance, your ability to make choices, your coordination and your health suffer. You can have all these foundations in place - a great training plan, diet and fresh air, but if your sleep isn't as good as it can be, it's all pointless.

What time does your house go to bed?

I make sure not to look at my phone after 8 pm – and then I’m in bed every night at 9 pm, and I like to be asleep by 10 pm. If there's a work event, it's different, but my youngest, Thiago, he's in bed around half seven - and then Mia goes around eight. We're in bed at nine, and then I have an hour to either read my book or I put my blue light-blocking glasses on and watch some of my favourite Netflix series. For us, consistent bedtimes make all the difference.

How much sleep do you need a night?

My alarm's set for six, so if I get to sleep at 10 pm, I can get eight hours. If Gorka (Marquez) is away on tour, I have to get up at 4.30 am to make sure I can get a gym session in before the kids get up. But eight hours is my magic number.

Do you use a tracking device to record your sleep?

Yes, I've been using a Whoop for about three years now. It tracks my heart rate variability, body temperature, oxygen levels, and resting heart rate as I sleep. I find it really interesting - the more I've trained, the better I eat, and the lower my resting heart rate is. I also love looking at my REM sleep and recovery stats, as these really impact my training.

Are there any products which help you sleep?

I love a bath, which I normally fill with Epsom salts. We have a sauna at home too, so I try and sit in it before bed, which always makes me nice and sleepy. Alongside my blue light-blocking glasses, we've also got red light bulbs; they just make everything feel calm and as peaceful as possible.

Is this anything you avoid in your diet to help you sleep?

I've avoided red meat for years now, so I use a substitute mince called Nutty Kitchen, from Whitworths. It's a plant-based mince but has zero nasties in it – it's literally just lentils, quinoa, and walnuts with seasoning. It's a lovely texture, and I use it to make evening stews or soups.

How about alcohol?

I’m not a big drinker; I haven’t been for 10 years - it's easier for me to drive and wake up feeling fresh. I hate wasting the next day, and I don't like the impact it has on my sleep. I’ll drink if there’s a big occasion – such as on my birthday or at Christmas, but I don't drink every weekend.

Does exercise destress you after a long day?

Yes, I love yoga and Pilates, as well as strength training. I’m training for longevity and quality of life, as opposed to how I look. That’s what makes it de-stressing, because I know there's a purpose behind it, in terms of my health and wellness.

What's the best advice you've received about sleep?

My mum always used to say to me: 'If you want to grow, you have to rest'. I used to think it was an excuse to get me to go to sleep, but now I've realised it's true. If you don't rest, your muscles won't recover. I love being in bed now.

Gemma has partnered with Whitworths. Head to @whitworthsuk on Instagram to hear Gemma’s tips or visit your local Tesco store to shop the range.