Night Time Routine

As this week is National Sleep Awareness week let’s talk sleep. Sleep is super vital to our health. Not only does it keep us moving towards our goals, it aids in weight loss and other healthy initiatives. So how much sleep you get varies, but being intentional with it matters. Sleep is apart of your wellness journey.  So how do you wind down?

Wind Down Night/Sleep Routine

There is an art to a great wind down routine. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes getting in the bed is a simple goal. On days when you can increase your wind down routine and make it as simple or elaborate as you need it to be. People may think it’s too much but no one would know outside of you or who you live with. It’s not about romanticizing your sleep routine. It’s about putting the time in to getting the best rest you can get. A night routine is essential and can help your body start the process for great sleep.

Sleep Schedule

I often do and stick to a sleep schedule. This means for however time I do it, I dedicate my sleep time and make my social schedule adhere to it. So no late night drinks after a certain time. No caffeine products after a certain time either. I set my alarm to go to sleep too. Also my phone is on Do Not Disturb regardless starting at 10pm. In case of emergency if someone needs me I have certain people in my life that can still get through.  Being intentional about your sleep schedule is important. So how often do you really adhere to your own sleep routine.

What’s in your Night Routine?

Much like a morning routine, a night routine is just about the same.  For instance for my kids we do quiet time at least 30 minuets to bed time. They brush their teeth, read a book, and then go to bed. For adults there are some things you too can do to help in your night routine too. For instance I wash my face, turn on my sound/light machine, read a book, journal, listen to soothing music and then go to sleep. To some that may be too much. Add what you want or take some away. In lieu of watching hours of television or having the television watch me this is my me time or self care.

Night Time Routine Ideas:

• Drinking Chamomile Tea
• Setting Clothes out for the day
• Preparing breakfast before bed (example-overnight oats)
• Review planner schedule for next day
• Write down 3 wins from your day
• Move Electronics away from bed
• Set alarm clock away from bed
• Use lavender in your diffuser

There are a million and one ways to end your night. The options are endless. It’s about making sure that you set your intentions.

Creatives or Creative People and Night Time

I know that some of the most fire ideas come at night. The time when you are supposed to be setting your night for rest is when ideas come. You don’t have to act on all of your ideas. Set a notepad and pen next to your bed. If an idea comes write it down. This way you don’t lose it but you can acknowledge it and go to sleep. Sometimes using a sleep mask is helpful in going to bed too. Some people use special socks on their feet or have use of a fan that helps them stay sleep. Television watching is one of those stimulants that don’t aid in good sleep. My husband can’t sleep without the television. I have my blue light, mask and sound machine that helps me get the sleep I need.

See your night time routine as a way to help you get the rest you need. I recently found a nap playlist and a sleep mediation playlist. You can use whatever application (App) that you like to create one. I used one on this past Saturday afternoon. I did it intentionally to ensure that I wouldn’t be tired for the time change. Turned it on, fell asleep, set an alarm and I felt perfectly fine with the time change occurred. Let’s also get creative with ways to sleep like when I visited the Wellness Refinery, exercise, and more that will aid in a great night’s sleep.