admin

Cheltenham Festival betting offers: The 6 best bookmakers you don’t have an account with yet

Jockey riding a horse; text overlay: Best bookmakers you don't have an account with yet!
THE SUN

THE Cheltenham Festival is back, and the roar is louder than ever!

Four days of blockbuster racing lies ahead with 28 races and 14 Grade 1 events all contested in front of more than 65,000 spectators each day.

So to make your Cheltenham Festival a memorable one, we at Sun Racing have compiled a list of the very best bookmakers that you probably don’t have an account with yet – including their unbelievable Cheltenham free bets and bonus offers!

We’ve looked at some of the smaller operators that we work with that still offer great deals for punters – and can help YOU get your festival off to a winner.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

The six best bookmakers you don’t have an account with yet

Jockey riding a horse, text overlay: Best bookmakers you don't have an account with yet!
THE SUN
Cheltenham Festival offers: The 6 best bookmakers you don’t have an account with[/caption]

SBK Offer: Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets

SBK have a blockbuster offer for brand new customers, who can claim £40 in free bets when they stake a tenner on any sports market!


CopyBet Offer: Bet £20 Get £60 in Free Bets

It’s as simple as it sounds! Register an account and place £20 on horse racing and you’ll receive £60 in three free bets on racing, football and any live event of your choice!


LiveScore Bet Offer: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

LiveScore Bet are going big for Cheltenham with their brand new offering. Sign-up and place a £10 bet on any sports market and your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!


Betzone Offer: Bet £20 Get £20 in Free Bets

Betzone are offering Best Odds Guaranteed and extra places on several races at the Cheltenham Festival. They are also offering a fabulous welcome offer with £20 in free bets up for grabs when you sign-up and stake £20 on sports.


AK Bets Offer: Get up to £100 in free bets

AK Bets are giving new customers the opportunity to win up to £100 extra on their first Lucky 15 bet!

So if you select four horses at the Cheltenham Festival and put them into a Lucky 15, and your bet returns a profit, AK Bets will give you a 25% winning boost up to £100!


BetGoodwin Offer: Get 50% of your first day losses back as a free bet up to £25

BetGoodwin are giving punters the chance to claim 50% of their first day losses back as a free bet. New customers who sign up to BetGoodwin can get half of their losses in their first betting day back to use as a free bet up to £25!


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
  • GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.


Terms and conditions

*SBK: New UK customers only. Min £10 first deposit using Debit Card or Bank Transfer. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 and get a £10 Multiple token upon settlement. A £10 Multiple token, a £5 Horse Racing Multiple token and a £5 Football Bet Builder token will be credited after 24 hours. A further £10 Multiple token will be credited 48 hours after the qualifying bet has been settled. Full T&Cs apply, 18+. BeGambleAware.org.

*CopyBet: BET 20 GET 60 offer is available starting from 07 January 2025. Opt in through the Copybet App or Web to claim your free bets. Copybet App login required to claim your free bets. Complete your first deposit using your Instant bank payment to unlock the offer. The qualifying bet should be a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £20 and have 1.9 or higher odds. Each free bet lasts for 7 days. Offer stands for verified UK clients. No Cash-Out. Max payout – £500.

*LiveScore Bet: New members only. £10+ bet on sportsbook (ex. virtuals) at 1.5 min odds, settled within 14 days. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days on sportsbook only. 2x£5 Free Bets for Bet Builder only. Stake not returned. T&Cs + deposit exclusions apply.

*Betzone: 18+ | New Customers Only | Promo Code: WELCOME20 | Place a single £20 bet within 3 calendar days of registration. Bet must settle on the same day of placement | Min odds Evens (2.00) | Free Bets valid for 7 days | Max win £250 | T&Cs apply | Ends 31/03/25 | GB residents only | Gamble responsibly

*AK Bets: If your first bet is a Treble or Up on Any Sport (minimum 3 selections) AK Bets will boost the profit gained on that initial bet by 25% in the form of a Free Bet up to a value of £/€100. Applies to new customers who sign up to AK BETS with the promo code AKACCA100. Qualifying Bet must have minimum combined odds of Evens (2.0). Free Bet can be used at any price. Credited within 24 hours of settlement of Qualifying Bet and will expire after 7 days. Stake is not returned with any winnings. Free Bets cannot be exchanged for cash. Not granted if the Qualifying Bet has been Cashed Out or Voided. Qualifying Bet cannot be placed using Build A Bet. Only once per household / IP address. 18+ Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

*BetGoodwin: Offer valid for new Betgoodwin customers 18+. 50% of first day losses refunded as free bet. Max free bet per customer £25. Min. 3 bets of £10 or more on separate events at odds of evens (2.0) or bigger on first day. Free bets non withdrawable. Free bets to be credited within 24 hours. Betgoodwin Terms and Conditions apply.


About the author

James Anderson

James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.

Find James on LinkedIn

Read More »

Kalvin Phillips could be set for fairytale Leeds transfer return after former club scout on-loan Man City star

KALVIN PHILLIPS could be set for a fairytale return to Leeds United as the club plan for life in the Premier League.

Daniel Farke’s side are now clear favourites to win the Championship and secure a return to the top-flight.

Kalvin Phillips of Ipswich Town applauding fans.
Rex
Kalvin Phillips could make a sensational return to Leeds[/caption]
Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United reacting during a Premier League match.
Phillips previously spent 12 years at Leeds
Getty

And the Elland Road side are already looking to build a squad that can survive.

Leeds scouts have been tracking the progress of Phillips, who has spent this season on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City.

The ex-England midfielder is likely to leave the Etihad at the end of the season with Ipswich looking unlikely to avoid the drop.

Despite ditching Leeds for City, Phillips remains a firm favourite among fans in Yorkshire, and he’d be welcomed back with open arms.

Phillips’ social media activity would suggest his ties to Leeds remain strong.

Last week he commented on the form of Leeds’ flying winger Dan James, who is continuing to set the Championship alight.

The Welshman has discovered a new side to himself over the last two seasons at Elland Road, having managed 23 goals and 17 assists in 76 appearances since returning from his loan at Fulham.

Only Joel Piroe has more Championship goal contributions for Leeds this season, with the team currently topping the league table with 11 games to play.

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

With three goals and four assists to his name in February, the 27-year-old was awarded Championship Player of the Month.

Responding to the news, Phillips liked the official post.

The Whites will likely be planning for promotion back to the Premier League as the season comes to a close.

And they have been heavily linked with a move for Roma striker Tammy Abraham.

Manor Solomon’s future at Elland Road will also be a top priority.

The on-loan midfielder has already registered seven goals and seven assists in the league this season.

Read More »

Popular high street restaurant to close after nearly 40 years in town centre as diners mourn loss

A POPULAR high street restaurant is set to close down after serving diners for nearly 40 years.

Carlo’s, a fixture of Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway is closing down in May.

Carlo's Restaurant storefront.
However, the owners have announced that the restaurant will permanently close its doors on May 31

For over 38 years, the restaurant has been serving authentic Italian cuisine to the heart of the town centre, becoming a cherished local institution.

However, the owners Carlo and Heather Bignami have announced that the restaurant will permanently close its doors on May 31.

In a Facebook post, they said: “The self-employed climate is getting tougher and with professional advice the decision to close was made.

“We want to say a huge thank you to all our lovely customers (many who have become friends) who have supported us throughout the past 38 years.

“We have had a lot of lovely hard working staff as well throughout these years. Should we now sit back and write a book all about running a restaurant?”

Responding to the post on Facebook, one diner said: “All the best in your retirement.

“Enjoy life together! Best food ever so you will both be sadly missed, Carlo for his excellent cuisine and you for your superb hospitality.

Another said: “So sorry to hear the news.

“Castle Douglas will not be the same without you.”

A third added: “Sorry to hear you are closing.”

Why are restaurants closing sites?

The hospitality industry is facing mounting pressures, including soaring bills, rising costs, and squeezed budgets.

More closures could be on the horizon due to upcoming hikes in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the national minimum wage.

Many food and drink businesses have faced significant challenges recently, as the rising cost of living has led to a decline in dining out.

After struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic, many establishments were then hit with soaring energy bills and mounting inflationary pressures.

This has forced several well-known chains to shut locations, with big brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s among those affected.

What is happening to the hospitality industry?

By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter

MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.

Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.

Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.

Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.

Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.

Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.

Read More »

Is this mountain the REAL Noah’s Ark? Bible researchers find ‘trace of 5,000-year-old flood’ around ‘giant boat fossil’

A GROUNDBREAKING discovery has prompted excitement amongst the archeological community as it may prove the existence of Noah’s Ark.

Boffins at the Mount Ararat and Noah’s Ark Research team have made a shocking discovery which may prove the existence of devastating floods and Noah’s Ark which saved two of each animal.

Aerial view of the Durupinar site, a geological formation in Turkey, believed by some to be Noah's Ark.
Noahs Ark Scans
Scientists claim to have discovered the location of the famous Noah’s Ark boat[/caption]
Aerial view of the Durupinar site, a geological formation in Turkey, believed by some to be Noah's Ark.
Noahs Ark Scans
An international team of researchers claims that a boat-shaped mound 18 miles south of Mount Ararat in Turkey is actually the fossilised remains of a wooden vessel[/caption] Map of Turkey showing the location of Durupinar, an ark-shaped formation, and a 3D scan of the site.

The Durupinar formation, a 538-foot geological structure made of limonite, has previously been where researchers hoped to prove the biblical tale, as its shape resembles that of a ship and its dimensions mirror the boat’s description in the Bible.

In the religious text, the Ark’s dimensions were “a length of three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits,” which match the dimensions of the real life structure.

The formation lies 30 kilometres south of the summit of Mount Ararat, close to the Turkey-Iran border, and is now the site of a new and exciting discovery.

After collecting samples of rock and soil from the site and sending them to Istanbul Technical University for examination, it was revealed that they contained traces of clay-like materials, marine deposits, and seafood remnants, including molluscs.

The experts then determined that the materials dated between 3500 and 5000 years old, which coincides with the Chalcolithic period, spanning from 5500 to 3000 BCE.

This time frame is associated with the era of the biblical flood as described in Genesis.

Lead researcher Dr. Faruk Kaya said: “According to the initial results, it’s believed there were human activities in this region since the Chalcolithic period.

“An essential outcome of the symposium is the decision to conduct more research in Cudi and Ararat, known as the Mesopotamian region.”

What is Mount Ararat?

Mount Ararat is a snow-capped, dormant volcano in eastern Turkey, near the Armenian border, standing at 5,137 meters (16,854 ft).

It is traditionally linked to Noah’s Ark, as Genesis describes the ark resting on the “mountains of Ararat.”

Numerous expeditions have sought remnants of the ark, but no credible evidence has been confirmed.

The mountain was significant in Urartian culture (9th–6th century BCE) and later in Armenian national identity.

While no ark has been found, ancient settlements and artefacts in the region suggest a long history of human activity.

A boat-shaped formation near Ararat, first discovered by a Kurdish farmer in 1948, has sparked speculation of Noah’s Arks existence.

Ararat’s volcanic activity and harsh climate make archaeological work difficult.

The mountain’s location in a sensitive border area limits research access.

It is national icon for Armenians, appearing on Armenia’s coat of arms, despite being in Turkey.

The lack of evidence for Noah’s Ark keeps Ararat a site of speculation, attracting explorers, scientists, and religious groups alike.

The revelation of marine substances and shellfish from samples around the formation suggest that it was once under water or beneath a catastrophic flood like the one in the bible.

The researchers said: “Our studies show that this region harboured life in that period and that, at some point, it was covered by water, which reinforces the possibility that a catastrophic event of great magnitude occurred.”

Mount Ararat is the highest point in Turkey at 5,137 metres, and has long been identified as where Noah’s Ark rested.

But the new discovery has reignited discussion about the site which was first found by a Kurdish farmer in 1948.

Research around the structure over the years has remained elusive, and many still debate whether the story is a myth or a true event.

“The evidence suggests that the story might have a basis in reality,” the researchers  involved in the project said.

Aerial view of the Durupinar site in Turkey, a geological formation believed by some to be Noah's Ark.
Noahs Ark Scans
A breakthrough discovery has created new excitement about the structure[/caption]

Read More »

Kate dazzles as she joins Wills & King on Commonwealth Day after missing last years’ event during cancer treatment

PRINCESS Kate has dazzled alongside King Charles as they both returned to Commonwealth Day duties after cancer treatment.

The monarch is leading the nation in celebrating the Family of Nations – joined by Queen Camilla, Kate, Prince William and a 2,000-strong congregation for the event at Westminster Abbey.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, at the Commonwealth Day Service.
Max Mumby
Princess Kate arrives wearing bright red[/caption]
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William at a Commonwealth Day service.
Rex
Kate alongside husband Prince William[/caption]
Catherine, Princess of Wales, in a red coat, exiting a car.
Rex
Kate and the royals are attending the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey[/caption]

In his Commonwealth Day message, the King said restoring the “disrupted harmony of our entire planet” is the most “important” task facing humanity.

Ahead of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the King also remembered the “sacrifice and selflessness” of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and her allies.

The King, who is head of the Commonwealth, gives an annual address to the family of 56 nations, but last year pre-recorded a video message after postponing his public-facing duties for around three months after being diagnosed with cancer.

The Princess of Wales also missed the service last year, a key event in the royal calendar, after also being diagnosed with cancer.

Kate is still making a gradual return to public duties after confirming she is in remission.

In his message, delivered as head of the Commonwealth, Charles said: “Leaders recently reiterated the importance of collaboration for peace and human rights, as well as for the restoration of nature both on land and in the oceans.

“As we mark Commonwealth Day together, there is no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet.

“For the sake of our younger generations’ threatened future, I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony.”

Plans have been announced for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ) Days, in what might be “our last chance to thank surviving veterans”, said TV presenter and actor Ross Kemp who helped launch the countdown to events.

Charles said in his message: “This year, the world reflects on the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War Two.

“More than one and-a-half million men and women who served during the War came from across the Commonwealth to support the United Kingdom and its allies.

“On this special anniversary, we remember with particular pride and everlasting gratitude the untold sacrifice and selflessness of so many from around our Family of Nations who gave their lives in that dreadful conflict.”

This year’s Commonwealth Day theme is Together We Thrive, which celebrates the “enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family”.

William, Kate, Charles and Camilla will be joined by the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the service, said Buckingham Palace.

During the service, singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading will perform an arrangement of her well-known hit Love And Affection for the congregation.

On the same day, the King will launch the inaugural King’s Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace, officially starting the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Charles and Camilla will also be guests of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, at the annual Commonwealth Day reception on Monday evening and hear a commemorative song by Andrew Lloyd Webber to mark the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize.

Commonwealth Day on Monday is also being marked by the release of a playlist Charles has compiled following a collaboration with Apple Music for his King’s Music Room show.

Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones and contemporary artists Davido and Raye are among those who make it into Charles’s top tracks from across the Commonwealth.

Kate Middleton and King Charles III at an event.
Newspix
Charles and Kate have both been battling cancer at the same time[/caption]
The Royal Family at the Festival of Remembrance.
PA
Charles, Kate and other royals attending the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in November[/caption]
Catherine, Princess of Wales, King Charles III, and Princess Charlotte.
The Mega Agency
Kate, Charles and Princess Charlotte[/caption]

Read More »

Sidemen charity match presenter Elz the Witch leaves little to imagination in bold skintight leather outfit at Wembley

ELZ the Witch left little to the imagination with a bold skintight outfit to present the Sidemen charity match.

She is well known for her work in the gaming world and returned to the role after presenting the event twice before.

Elz the Witch, presenter at the Sidemen Charity Match, holding a microphone at Wembley Stadium.
INSTAGRAM @elzthewitch
Elz the Witch stunned in a red leather dress[/caption]
Elz the Witch presenting at the Sidemen Charity Match.
INSTAGRAM @elzthewitch
She wore the outfit as she hosted the Sidemen charity match[/caption]
Three presenters at the Sidemen Charity Match.
INSTAGRAM @elzthewitch
She has hosted the event twice before[/caption]
Elz the Witch, presenter at the Sidemen Charity Match, speaking with a soccer player.
INSTAGRAM @elzthewitch
She spoke to the Sidemen team after the match[/caption]
A Sidemen Charity Match player being interviewed at Wembley Stadium.
INSTAGRAM @elzthewitch
She also interviews Zerka[/caption]

The charity match saw the YouTube group Sidemen play the YouTube All Stars at a packed out Wembley Stadium.

The latter won the match after a penalty shootout was needed to separate the teams following a 9-9 draw.

But it was Elz that stole the show with her bold outfit.

She rocked up to the event in a red skintight leather dress with matching boots and tights.

To complete the look, she had a red coat that hung down to her shins.

She shared a post after the match thanking the Sidemen for inviting her back.

It read: “So I hosted at Wembley in front of 90,000 people.

“Thank you Sidemen for having me back for a third time.

“£4.7 Million raised for charity, on international women’s day.”

The post was accompanied with multiple pictures of Elz in the stunning outfit.

Elz the Witch at the 2024 Rolling Stone UK Awards.
Getty
Elz made her name in the gaming world[/caption]
Elz the Witch at the 2024 Rolling Stone UK Awards.
Getty
She has built an enormous following online[/caption]
Elz the Witch at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards.
Getty
She has over half a million followers on YouTube and Instagram[/caption]
Woman in green outfit sitting in a chair.
Instagram
She often wows fans with her daring looks[/caption]

There were also snaps of her interviewing YouTube stars such as Mr Beast, KSI and Zerker.

The post was seen by her 342k followers on the platform who flooded the comment section with praise.

One posted: “Woman of the day.”

A second wrote: “She was the real half time show.”

A third commented: “The outfit ate so hard.”

A fourth said: “The red fit is so iconic.”

Another added: “You killed it as always!! Still not over the outfit.”

The match also had plenty of drama as Max Fosh tried SHREDDING a yellow card he was shown by referee Mark Clattenburg.

Meanwhile, Jake Paul suplexed Jow Weller in a WWE-style celebration after the first goal of the game.

Woman in white vest and man in "Stop Being Racist" shirt on a rooftop.
X @elzthewitch
She hosted the match back in 2023 at the London Stadium[/caption]
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Elz the Witch poses during the Kiss Haunted House Party 2024 at the Outernet London on October 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
She looked devilish with this outfit
Getty
Elz the Witch at the Kiss Haunted House Party.
Getty
She is often able to stun in cosplay outfits[/caption]
Elz the Witch at a Halloween party.
Getty
Elz rocked a figure-hugging pink outfit[/caption]
Elz the Witch at Maya Jama's Halloween party.
Getty
She pulled off a brilliant Jessica Rabbit look[/caption]
Elz The Witch at the Dune: Part Two premiere.
Getty
She looked glamorous at the world premiere of ‘Dune: Part Two’ at Leicester Square[/caption]

Read More »

I’m a secret sexsomniac who prowls the streets NAKED hunting for ‘young meat’… my husband’s taken desperate measures

WATCHING TV late one night, Lauren Spencer’s husband Charlie hears a strange noise outside their pretty four-bed home in Devon and goes to investigate. 

Alarmed by the sight that greets him from the window, Charlie goes into autopilot, knowing exactly what he needs to do next.

Portrait of a couple sitting together.
Lauren, pictured with husband Charlie, lives with a condition called sexsomnia, which means sex is always on her mind when she’s asleep
Lorna Roach
Woman holding a black sheep figurine in a garden center.
Supplied
Lauren, a garden-loving housewife by day, turns into a completely different person at night – and has no recollection the next day[/caption]

His demure 51-year-old keen gardener wife Lauren is in the front garden, roaming past the rhododendrons completely naked, “hunting for young meat”.

Rushing to bring her quickly back inside before the neighbours witness the scene – and worse still call the police – Charlie, 54, grabs his coat and wraps it around Lauren’s shoulders – she doesn’t resist.

Her eyes are wide open yet she’s actually still asleep, in some sort of hypnotised sleepwalking state.

For a decade, Lauren, who by day enjoys lunches with friends and taking her three rescue dogs for long walks, has suffered with an alarming condition called sexsomnia; a serious sleep disorder which means sex is always on her mind when she’s sleeping.

But over the past three years, her condition has progressed to what Charlie describes as his wife becoming “possessed” at night – turning her into a “cougar on the hunt”.

They even have a bike lock attached to handles on the french doors at the back of the house so Lauren can’t get outside that way, but she still manages to escape from the front.

‘Cougar on the hunt’

The mum of two grown up daughters says: “I try getting out of the house while sleepwalking and calling for ‘young meat’ in a demonic fashion. It’s worrying.

“My husband tells me that once I fall into a deep sleep, I seem to become ‘possessed,’ and the term ‘gombie,’ a blend between a ‘GILF’ and a ‘zombie,’ best describes my altered state of mind at those times.

“I normally enjoy sex with my husband most in the morning, but when I have a sexsomnia episode, it’s like I’m possessed. Charlie says I turn into the Duracell bunny and make wild growling type noises.

“We have the bike lock on the French doors at the back of the house to stop me getting out that way and Charlie hides the key.

“But I have escaped through the front door and into the street if Charlie is still awake after I’ve gone to bed and hasn’t yet put the bolt on.”

Independent sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley, who has been involved in sleep research and sleep medicine for over 43 years, has written about the condition previously.

He says sexsomnia, also referred to as ‘sleep sex’, occurs during non-REM sleep, the stage before dreams begin.

“It is not related to dreaming,” he explains. “It is in the same class of behaviours as sleepwalking and sleep talking. Essentially parts of the brain can wake up while the conscious part of the brain can be asleep.

“It can co-occur alongside other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, sleep apnoea, night terrors and bedwetting.”

He also explains how the behaviour was first noted back in the 1980s.

“Although abnormal sexual behaviour during sleep was first described in 1989, the term ‘sexsomnia’ was not coined until 2003 when 11 patients exhibiting sexual behaviours during sleep were described,” he adds.

“It may be hard for a bed partner to understand that the behaviour isn’t deliberate.”

‘I thought he was winding me up’

Lauren has always been a light sleeper and recalls episodes of sleepwalking as a child, a trait she inherited from her dad who was known to do “strange things” in his sleep, like boxing.

As an adult, Lauren started propositioning her partners during the night – they thought it was fun, even though Lauren had no recollection.

What is sexsomnia?

  • According to The Sleep Foundation, sexsomnia is a sleep disorder characterised by engaging in sexual activities during sleep.
  • Symptoms can include sexual noises and masturbation, and sufferers usually have no memory of their sexual behaviours once awake.
  • Sexsomnia can also occur alongside other sleep conditions, such as sleepwalking and sleep talking.
  • Not all sexsomnia can be linked to an underlying medical cause. Some cases appear to be brought on by environmental or lifestyle triggers, which vary from person to person.
  • These can include stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol and substance use, and sleep deprivation.
  • Treatment depends on the underlying cause and can include medication or reducing stress or specific triggers – always seek advice from your GP if worried or you need advice.

A few months after she met her now-husband Charlie through a dating website in 2010, she initiated sex with him in the middle of the night, fast asleep.

Again, he thought it wasn’t anything to be too concerned about until a few months ago when Lauren first started going downstairs regularly – usually around midnight after falling into a deep sleep.

But when Charlie explained what he’d witnessed, she didn’t believe him.

“I thought he was winding me up,” she admits. “So we set up a camera at the bottom of the bed to try and catch what was happening.

“After seeing the footage, I realised he was telling the truth. It’s horrifying to watch myself like that.”

Woman in purple turtleneck sweater.
The mum-of-two has also been known to wake up and start cleaning the bathroom, send random text messages, or have full conversations, all while fast asleep
Supplied

She adds “One evening, he was in the living room, and he heard the front door. He looked out of the window and saw that I was in the street naked.

“He obviously panicked and bolted out of the house. I have no recollection of it happening.

“Three or four times a year I try to escape and if we go away, we use cable ties or a cable lock to stop me leaving the bedroom.

“If we’re staying at a friend’s house, I can’t risk going into my friend’s bed with her and her husband.”

‘I was in the street naked’

Concerned, Lauren sought medical advice in 2021, fearing she had an underlying neurological issue – her dad had been diagnosed with dementia.

However, her GP diagnosed her with sexsomnia, a rare form of parasomnia – a disorder that causes people to engage in unusual behaviours while asleep.

According to research, sexsomnia is more common in men, with prevalence rates estimated between 1 and 8 per cent in the general population.

Triggers can include stress, sleep deprivation, alcohol consumption, and other underlying sleep disorders.

Lauren has also been known to wake up and start cleaning the bathroom, send random text messages, or have full conversations while still in a deep sleep.

The couple have implemented a range of precautions to stop Lauren from getting outside. 

She says: “In hotels, we have to put a chair against the door, and if it’s just a one-handled door, we’ll put a chair in front of it and use a cable tie around the handle of the door and chain it to the chair.

“Then if I try to get out, my husband will wake up.”

‘I’ve got to sleep with one eye open’

Charlie, who works alongside Lauren in her content creation business, says: “Lauren says things in her sleep, and I can usually make out bits of what she’s saying, but it’s a bit mumbly.

“It’s almost a dream-like state, and if she’s downstairs trying a door handle, I have heard her mumble the words, ‘young meat.’

“I generally just guide her back to the bedroom and cuddle her in until she’s settled down.

“It doesn’t happen very often, and it passes quite quickly. I’ve almost got to sleep with one eye open, but thankfully, it doesn’t affect us on a nightly basis.”

Don't sleep on it... ask for help

According to Dr Philippa Kaye, a GP and author, it’s important to seek help for sexsomnia than suffer alone.

She says: “People suffering may not always present to the doctor, often due to shame and stigma, but your doctor may be able to refer you to a sleep clinic for further investigations and advice and to exclude other conditions such as seizures.

“If a cause is found then treating the cause may be helpful, for example using a CPAP machine, a device that uses air pressure to keep airways open while you sleep, for sleep apnoea.

“Good sleep hygiene is important such as switching off devices a couple of hours before bed as well as going to bed and waking up at around the same time each day.

“I wouldn’t recommend the use of over the counter sleep aids without consulting your GP first.

“Avoiding known triggers is important – stress included – as is implementing basic safety precautions, for example not sleeping in the same room as minors, locking doors or considering a movement based alarm to wake you up if you get out of bed.”

While Charlie takes her sexsomnia in his stride, Lauren is still learning to live with the disorder.

“I generally have a high sex drive, and like intimacy most days. I’m sexually very adventurous, and my motto is ‘try everything once, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it again!'” she says.

“The more it’s happened, the more accustomed to it I’ve become, and the more accepting I am.

“But I must admit, no matter how many times it happens, the lack of control can be upsetting. I’ve noticed that it happens more regularly in stressful times, like when my father died.”

Woman in purple turtleneck sweater.
Supplied
While understandably concerned about her behaviour, Lauren can also see the lighter side, and knows it’s not her fault[/caption]

‘I’m the most loyal woman’

Whilst most people with Lauren’s condition would feel embarrassed or anxious if they were to end up outside without clothes, she tries to see the lighter side of things.

“I get a lot of compliments from younger guys, so while I’m not consciously thinking that I must go and find loads of young men, I suppose if I see an attractive young lad on the streets, perhaps I notice it subconsciously,” she explains.

“But I’m the most loyal woman. I would never dream of going behind my husband’s back.

“I would split up with somebody rather than cheat.

“I really value loyalty and self-respect for myself. I would never cheat and have never done that, but I guess it’s just your subconscious.”

Lauren says she feels lucky to be with a man like Charlie as others may not be as understanding. 

She says: “I’m just glad my husband is accepting of my sexsomnia.

“Some men might get annoyed, but we have a good sense of humour, and we’re of an age where you don’t get upset by things like that.

“We’ve discussed my condition at length and I’ve decided that I’m happy to have sex when this happens – it’s completely consensual.”

Charlie, for his part, doesn’t seem to mind the middle-of-the-night seductions. 

“We’ve been married for 13 years, so we’re at that stage where you have to take every opportunity.

“It’s not like back in the day when I was a young man – these opportunities are few and far between!” he adds.

Portrait of Lauren and Charlie Roland.
Thankfully Lauren’s husband Charlie is very understanding of her condition, and does his best to ensure she stays safe while asleep
Lorna Roach

Read More »

Winter sun destination loved by Brits reveals huge £4billion airport ‘masterplan’ with new terminal and runway

WITH temperatures averaging between 32 and 36C over the UK winter period and nine sunshine hours a day, it’s little wonder Thailand is such a hit with sun-starved Brits.

For anyone lucky enough to head off to Thailand, you’ll probably head into Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Aerial view of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, from a departing airplane.
Alamy
Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia[/caption]
Ornate display at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.
Alamy
Inside the airport are lots of statues including the ‘Churning of the Milk Ocean’[/caption]

Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the main airport serving Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, and is spread over 8,000 acres.

It’s also Thailand’s busiest airport and last year handled 62.2 million passengers – which was a 20 per cent increase from 2023.

Possibly the most memorable thing about it, is the huge statues in the terminal.

There are 12 Yaksha Statue in the ticket hall, which are replicas of those in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and protect the airport from evil spirits.

The ‘Churning of the Milk Ocean’ statue isn’t anything you’ll find in the likes of London Heathrow.

It’s a 21-metres-long serpent statue that depicts a modern interpretation of an ancient Hindu myth.

The airport currently has three runways and two terminals, a main terminal and a satellite terminal.

It sees around 950 flights per day, with an average of 348,980 a year.

This hugely increased after the opening of their third runway in November 2024 that allowed the airport to increase from 68 to 94 flights per hour.

And Suvarnabhumi International Airport will soon undergo undergo even more changes.

Large Yaksha statue in Suvarnabhumi Airport lobby.
Alamy
There are 12 huge statues found in the ticket hall[/caption]
Thai architecture in Suvarnabhumi Airport terminal.
Alamy
A whole new terminal is set to be build as part of the expansion plan[/caption]

Dubbed their ‘masterplan’, the new work will take place over ten years, starting in 2025 with everything set to be complete in 2035.

The airport is set to expand in-line with demand and should be able to cope with 150 million passengers per year by 2033.

One part of their masterplan is building a new South Terminal, bigger than the one they have now.

With overcrowding a frequent problem in the high season, the construction of a new one on the south side of the airport should help.

The project has a huge estimated cost of 120 billion baht (£4billion) and will include state of the art facilities like new check-in zones, security systems as well as modern retail and dining areas.

Along with a brand-new terminal, there will also be the creation of a fourth runway.

This will cost 20 billion baht (£400,000) out of the budget and will be an important component to keep flights on time.

The plans are for the fourth runway to be in use by 2030.

The rest of the airport hasn’t been forgotten about either, with the original terminal being updated and more check-in desks and passenger processing areas added.

To address the increase in crowds, the plans also include additional parking and new designs that means traffic should flow freely outside the terminal.

For any fans of duty free, there will also be a shopping centre, and more dining options for people to enjoy before their flight.

So far, the project is in the design phase with construction set to begin in 2027.

These are the two airports in Asia with cycling paths and even a golf course between two runways.

It’s also been said that the Suvarnabhumi Airport is haunted with ‘ghosts’ walking across a gangway.

We Stayed In The White Lotus Four Seasons Hotel

Here's what we thought of the hotel that stars in the White Lotus TV series...

As the latest series kicks off in the stunning setting of the Four Seasons Hotel, Koh Samui, the real-life guests at the hotel could give them a run for their money.

After meeting staff at the exclusive 5-star resort where villas can cost up to £10,000 a night, it’s obvious superhuman levels of patience and ingenuity are needed to keep guests happy in paradise.

Manager Jasjit “JJ” Assi says he is very proud of the incredible feats his staff have accomplished to accommodate guests’ every whim.

One, frustrated he couldn’t land his large private jet at tiny Koh Samui airport, objected to taking a connecting flight from Bangkok as the airport lacks a business class lounge.

Staff volunteered to fetch the businessman from a nearby island via one of the resort’s luxury yachts but he refused to sail the hour-long journey, so in the end, they chartered a private helicopter that cost him £25,000. “That was insane,” says JJ, “but we made it happen for him.”

Another guest arrived at 10pm during a full moon and decided it would be a beautiful night for a proposal.

But he needed a diamond ring before his girlfriend arrived at the resort, an hour later.

JJ says: “Everything shuts at 8pm. The concierge team had to wake people up and find connections.” Miraculously, they did.

“Someone came at 11.15pm with a tray of diamond rings and we set up his proposal on the beach.”

She said yes, but JJ added: “I would have forced her to say yes! That’s the magic of the Four Seasons, we make it happen.” – Ashleigh Rainbird

Airport terminal interior with moving walkways and seating.
Alamy
Suvarnabhumi Airport will be completely different by 2035[/caption]

Read More »