Night Time Routine To Help You Sleep Better

Bedtime Routine For Adults

Is the stress of life keeping you up at night? Believe it or not, one of the reasons you might be experiencing stress at bedtime is because you’re not planning for a restful night’s sleep. Like most things, failure to plan is a plan to fail. It seems simple enough, get in bed, turn off the lights, close our eyes, and fall asleep. If only it were that simple. The key to getting to sleep is prepare for sleep ahead of time.

I am obsessed with sleep. When I don’t get enough sleep, it affects how I feel the next day. Sleep is so important for your mental and physical health. I went through many years of serious insomnia, but have since recovered thanks to a good night routine and some lifestyle changes.

Having a bedtime routine can help combat stress and prep our minds and bodies for rest. The hour before you go to sleep is as important as the moment your head hits the pillow. Here’s why- 

The activities you engage in leading up to bed affect your sleep

What you do prior to going to bed can make or break your ability to fall asleep. Engaging in screen time, drinking caffeine, watching emotionally intense content, discussing sensitive topics, and other activities can trigger you to be more active when you should be winding down. 

Prior to bed it’s best to do activities that promote and trigger your natural sleep rhythm. Drinking decaffeinated hot tea, taking a hot bath or shower, reading. Listening to meditative content, wearing comfortable clothing, and prepping for bed all promote restful sleep.

Your circadian rhythm affects your sleep cycle

Our bodies are designed with an internal sleep cycle. The circadian rhythm is a natural biological process in our bodies that helps us discern night from day. We have an innate wind down window where our bodies shift towards sleepiness and ready themselves to go to bed. Disrupting this cycle with staying up late or overstimulation can cause significant stress and make it much harder to fall asleep and wake refreshed. 

You can help keep your rhythm in sync by setting a routine bedtime and sticking to it. Sleep training your body to sleep and wake at specific times can help manage and override stressful thoughts at bedtime because your body will be used to going to sleep on a schedule. Once your body is accustomed to falling asleep and waking at specific times you likely won’t need an alarm clock nor have trouble falling asleep…even when you have stress.  

Create a sleep routine that works for you

Creating a bedtime routine that works for you will help you consistently get ready for bed and fall asleep with very little effort. Everyone is different, what one person needs to wind down may look different than someone else. Develop bedtime habits that help calm, relax, and destress prior to bed and you’ll experience an easier time falling asleep and have more restful nights.

It really helps to have a fresh, clean bed to climb into. Fresh sheets and the right bedding can make a big difference in your sleep quality. Choose comfortable sheets and pillows that you love. I personally love silk-type sheets in summer because they are more cooling and a cotton-blend in winter because they are warmer!

Bedtime Routine Ideas

• Start off by unplugging. When you’re ready to wind down, turn off your phone and tv.

• Put some relaxing oils in your diffuser– lavender and chamomile are relaxing and promote a good night’s sleep.

• Wash your face and brush your teeth.

• Spend few minutes writing in your journal. Journaling before bed can help you release anything that’s on your mind.

• Take a few minutes to meditate. It doesn’t have to be complicated- simply relax your body and focus on deep breathing and relaxation. Breath in deeply through your nose and exhale completely through your mouth. Try not to worry or focus on anything. Instead, allow your mind to freely wander.

• Make a cup of chamomile tea to soothe yourself to sleep.

• Give thanks. Before you hit the sack, be sure to write down 5 things that you are grateful for. Giving gratitude promotes a feeling of peace and joy, which is perfect for a good night’s sleep. It’s also great to wake up with a gratitude attitude as well!

Check out these gratitude journal prompts to get you started.

Some people also like to plan ahead for the next day, the night before.