Claudia Winkleman, the charismatic host of The Traitors, has revealed a lifelong health habit that stems from an encounter her mother had with a brain surgeon years ago.
In her memoir ‘Quite,’ the popular television presenter recounts how a casual exchange between her mum, Eve Pollard, and the brain specialist led to a practice she adheres to even now.
She recollects the brain surgeon’s advice given to her mum: “By the way, always let your children sleep, it’s the greatest life insurance we have. The brain grows and the body fixes itself while at rest.”
Claudia mentioned her mother didn’t seek any additional guidance beyond this nugget but took the suggestion seriously, allowing her kids to lie in on weekends and encouraging daytime naps.
Claudia affirms that she still cherishes her sleep, saying at age 53 she maintains her love for nap time.
She expresses her support for restfulness over busyness: “I have not grown out of this – I still love napping now. In fact, I’m all for idleness, for doing nothing. I’m hugely in favour of taking a load off. I’m not sure when we equated ‘busy’ with success or doing nothing with wasting time. The implication is: you’re so sluggish, so idle, so slovenly.”
Despite Claudia’s strong opinions on sleep, the NHS advises that most adults aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, although factors such as age and health can influence this.
Their guidance differs for younger individuals, suggesting that teenagers, children, and babies need more sleep due to their growth, reports Surrey Live.
Claudia has become a familiar face on our screens over the years, hosting popular shows like Strictly Come Dancing and now, The Traitors on BBC One, which has been a hit with viewers since its debut in 2022. And, Claudia’s huge contribution to TV has been recognised over the years, with several awards nominations. But, despite several nominations down the years, it was for hosting The Traitors that she finally won a BAFTA in 2023, taking home the Entertainment Performance award.
The Traitors is back on BBC One tonight at 9pm.