Your New Evening Routine For A More Restful Sleep

Sleep, or rather lack of sleep, has significant negative effects on mental health. When you don't get enough sleep, your brain's ability to function optimally is impaired, leading to difficulties with concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving. Sleep deprivation disrupts the balance of your neurotransmitters, which can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and irritability.

A consistent bedtime routine is one of the most effective ways to set yourself up to have a more restful sleep. A bedtime routine helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, preparing yourself for sleep.

If you can follow the same routine each night this create a predictable pattern that helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm is like your internal clock naturally aligning your sleep-wake cycle, when it's regulated you'll find it much easier to fall asleep and wake up at your desired times.

Enhanced sleep quality not only boosts your physical health but also supports emotional resilience and cognitive function, making you better equipped to handle the challenges of daily life, reducing anxiety, stress and overwhelm.

Establishing a new bedtime routine might take some initial effort and trial and error to see what works for you, but the long-term benefits of better sleep and improved mental health make it well worth the investment.

YOUR NEW ROUTINE

For Better Sleep

Turn Off Your Screens

Turning off your screens an hour before bedtime is the ideal to set yourself up to get the best quality sleep.

This is because the blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

By giving yourself a screen-free hour before bed, you allow your brain to unwind naturally, reducing overstimulation and easing into a more restful state.

This practice not only improves the quality of your sleep but also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, setting the stage for a more peaceful and restorative night’s rest, meaning you will wake up in a better mood.

Self-Care Time

There's no better time to practise a little self-care than before bed.

The best place to start is by taking a warm bath or shower to relax your muscles and wash away the day. Why not try incorporating the Relax and Sleep Bath Salts from anatomē for maximum relaxation.

Follow this up with your favourite skincare - cleansing your face and applying a nourishing moisturizer to your body can help you feel refreshed and ready for bed.

This intentional routine not only signals to your body that it’s time to wind down but also nurtures your overall sense of self-love which is a huge part of your wellbeing.

Brain Dump Jounaling

Brain dump journaling before bed is a powerful way to clear your mind at the end of the day, eliminating the noisy brain before you go to sleep.

By writing down all the random thoughts, worries, and tasks swirling in your head, you effectively unload mental clutter, reducing nighttime anxiety and restlessness.

We have so many incredible journals that help guide you through the journaling practise if this is something you've never done before. Why not checkout the Sleep Journal from Pulse of Potential or the Nightly Routine Journal from Wilde House Paper.

If you want to take it to the next level and practise Gratitudes before bed try this Gratitude Journal from Mål Paper.

Journaling helps to organize your thoughts, prioritize concerns, and release any lingering stress from the day. As a result, you can approach sleep with a clearer, more peaceful mind, leading to deeper, more restorative rest.

Make Yourself A Sleepy Tea

Drinking a sleepy tea before bed can help promote relaxation and prepare your mind for a restful sleep.

Herbal teas using ingredients such as chamomile, lavender, and valerian root are known for their calming properties, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. We love the Cosmic Dealer Ayuverdic Tea for this.

These soothing ingredients can ease the transition from the busyness of the day to a state of calm, signaling to your body that it's time to wind down. By incorporating a sleepy tea into your nightly routine, you create a comforting ritual that not only supports better sleep but also fosters a sense of peace and well-being, leading to improved mental clarity and emotional balance.

Reading or Listening

Reading or listening to chill music or audiobooks before bed is a great way to take your attention away from the screens we look at all day and create a calming bedtime ritual.

Engaging with a good book allows your mind to shift away from your daily stressors, easing anxiety and promoting relaxation before you nod off. If self-help is your genre of choice we have a great selection of our favourites here!

Similarly, soft music or a soothing audiobooks can help slow down your thoughts, fostering a peaceful transition to sleep.

Incorporating reading or listening into your nightly routine helps reduce cortisol levels, encourage mindfulness, and create a tranquil environment that supports deeper, more restorative sleep

Consistent Bedtime

Having a consistent bedtime helps regulate your body's internal clock.

Going to bed at the same time each night trains your body to recognize when it's time to wind down, reducing the likelihood of insomnia and improving overall sleep duration.

Consistent sleep patterns also support the balance of hormones that affect mood, stress levels, and cognitive function, helping to reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience.

If you struggle to get to sleep on time each night, have you tried the Baloo Living Weighted Blanket? A weighted blanket can help you get to sleep by providing a gentle, even pressure that mimics the sensation of being hugged or held, which is known as deep touch pressure stimulation. This pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system, triggering the release of serotonin, a hormone associated with feelings of calm and well-being. The increased sense of security and comfort that a weighted blanket provides can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to a more restful and restorative night's sleep.