Sleep and Slumber: Nighttime Routines

Want to live your best life ever? Start by getting enough sleep every night. When we sleep, our bodies use less energy giving vital organs, like the brain, heart and lungs, a much needed break from the day. One way to ensure a great night’s rest is by creating a nighttime routine.

Nighttime routines can help you relax, provide consistency and ease you into a good night’s rest. (Nighttime routines are not just for kids, my friends!) Check out 5 ways to kick off your nightly routine for the best mouth wide open sleep you’ve had in a long time.

Lose the phone

Phones are practically glued to our hands these days and everything is accessible from our fingertips. The good news is, it will all be there in the morning, so put your phone down. Start a routine of no electronics 1 hour before bed and put your phone on “do not disturb” during your sleeping hours. If you’re worried you’ll miss emergency calls from family and friends, change the settings so you only receive calls and messages from the most important people in your life.

Indulge in some self-care

Brush your teeth and floss. Wash your face and don’t forget to moisturize. Pull out your journal and write down your thoughts and the things you are grateful for. Play some relaxing music. You’re never too busy for a little self-care. Set reminders until it becomes a habit and make it a family activity.

Read a book

And not an electronic book or app. Pick up a physical book and and enjoy some good ole’ fashioned reading. If you must read on an electronic device, change the screen to night shift mode which blocks blue light. Blue light tricks your sleep cycle into thinking it’s daytime. That’s why you may have a harder time falling asleep after using electronic devices. On most phones and tablets, you can turn on this feature automatically.

Make dinner early

Dinner should be eaten at least 2 hours before you go to sleep. If you’re working with a busy schedule, try meal planning and prepping. If dinner is too close to bedtime, make it light so it’s easier for your body to digest.

Teatime

Herbal teas are a good way to relax after a long day. Most herbal teas are caffeine-free so they won’t interfere with sleeping. Try chamomile, lavender and lemon balm, to name a few, and drink it about an hour before you go to bed so your sleep isn’t interrupted by your bladder.

Sleep in not a luxury so go ahead and get yourself a great nights rest. Sweet dreams!