Sutton & District sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey took time out to help launch the 700th Premier Inn hotel in Kingston this week, and he readily admits he is a fussy sleeper.

The 26-year-old is in action this weekend at the British Championships in Birmingham, so it is essential that he gets all the rest he can.

But sleep is something that is not left to chance and Aikines-Aryeetey has to abide by a strict set of rules when it comes to getting some shut-eye.

He said: “I am a really fussy sleeper – in a way I have to be because of injuries.

"I have three stress fractures in my back, so I have to have memory foam mattresses.

“But to get a good night’s sleep, everything has to be right – we call it sleep hygiene.

“The room temperature has to be right, you should not do anything else in bed other than sleeping – no playing the computer or watching TV.

“All the lights should be off, and if you’re not asleep in 15 minutes, get up and leave the room, and wait until you get tired again.”

Aikines-Aryeetey wil run in the 100m this weekend, looking for a top two finish to ensure a place in August’s World Championships in Beijing.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey knows the importance of a great night's sleep and was speaking at the launch of Premier Inn London Kingston Upon Thames. For exclusive rates, book direct at premierinn.com.