Let’s face it, we all could use a good night’s sleep. There is nothing I enjoy more than crawling into bed with crisp, clean sheets, cloud like pillows, and a cozy comforter! Are you ready for bed yet? Just thinking of that picture makes me yawn. As adults, we’ve seemed to put sleep on the back burner. Work, play, parenting, binge watching our favorite show… all of it takes precedence when it comes to getting the rest we need. Meanwhile, our kids are getting the benefits of a well-balanced bedtime routine. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Better Sleep Council.
Did you know that roughly just 21% of Americans are getting the recommended 6-8 hours of sleep every night? I don’t know about you, but I need my sleep. I learned quickly when I had kids that the same type of bedtime routine that I do for them each night, could be really helpful for myself too! I too, can be a big baby and throw a tantrum when I don’t get enough sleep. You could call me a cranky toddler having a meltdown in the grocery store when I am sleep deprived! You know the feeling. Thankfully, over the years I have developed some good sleeping habits, and in celebration of May being Better Sleep Month, I’d like to share them with you!
5 Tips to a Better Night’s Sleep
1. Have a bath or shower using essential oils. I love to use a blend of lavender and eucalyptus. This blend has a sedative to increase relaxation and calmness, and help bring about sleep. You can put a few drops in your water or even on a washcloth and lay it over your shoulder. Warm water and relaxing smells… ahh! I even put a few drops on my pillow!
2. Invest in your sleepwear. Ditch the robe you have been wearing for the last 8 years and treat yourself! Silk, loose fitting, soft shirts, all provide next level comfort that you will look forward to slipping into each night.
3. Set a bedtime and try your best to stick to it. I know this can be hard, especially with all of the above sleep competitors I mentioned. If you start winding down at 9:30pm with an intended bedtime of 10:30pm, your body will grow accustomed to it, and eventually start the process on its own. Start your routine at least an hour before you plan to be in bed.
4. No screens at all for at least 60 minutes before bed. Check your phone, set your alarm, do all of that stuff before you begin your bedtime routine. Screen time affects your brain activity so much. When you want to calm down and tell your body it is time to sleep, the last thing you want to do is wake it up again with lights, noises, and 1,000 things to ponder.
5. Try your best to eat well, exercise, and drink water daily. I see a huge shift in my sleep patterns the days I exercise versus the days I don’t. After dinner, avoid late night snacking, especially food that will upset you or stimulate you. Taking care of your body has a lot to do with what you put into it.
If you want to learn more about sleep health, education & get more sleep tips, visit the Better Sleep Council!
Like I said, this is a bedtime routine I do with my kids on a regular basis. I take the time and effort to help wind them down, to relax them and to get them ready for bed, both mentally and physically. Why should I be surprised my adult body craves this similar routine? Give your kid’s bedtime routine a shot, and I bet you’ll be asleep in no time!
Do you have a bedtime routine that helps you get a better night’s rest?
Sweet Dreams,
This is a sponsored post in partnership with the Better Sleep Council. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
I need to work on my sleep. These are things that I need to try so I can get a better sleep routine.
In my opinion, having a bed routine also helps to accompany sleep with the right and the usual times. Every routine in its own way is good.
I agree that exercising makes you sleep so much better. The same as having a balanced diet and not eating too late. I do both and I sleep like a baby every night
We try to have a routine. My kids are older now, so sometimes it can be trickier. But I do try to say everyone needs to be in bed by 10.
These are nice tips. One thing I need to change is using screen before 60mins. I actually stop it 2 to 5 mins before sleeping. I agree it’s a bad habit.
I try my best to get to bed around 10ish to allow for Rapid Eye Movement (REM) allowing for information to be stored in my long term memory. I have comfortable sleeping clothes and four pillows. To ensure that I sleep well the room must be dark and quiet.
I don’t really have a bedtime routine. But at the same time I never have trouble falling asleep. I do agree that turning off screens an hour before helps a lot though
I agree with your points in here. When it comes to children, having a routine is especially important. Establishing and maintaining good sleep habits helps your child fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up rested and refreshed. It may also prevent future sleep problems.
Bedtimes are extremely important towards having a productive day. Especially the no screen time before bed rule. Great article.
routines are always helpful 🙂 especially at bedtime for the little’s and adults as well
Sleep is essential for good health and I love your tips. My fave things to do before going to bed (and my son loves to do them, too) is a bath with lavender essential oil and/ or 30 minutes (at least) of reading (from an actual book, not kindle, ipad etc).
I’m guilty of not sticking to my sleep time. I’m horribly inconsistent and I hope I get to fix that. Anyway, showering with essential oils really helps to calm the body for a good sleep.
I am the WORST when it comes to a healthy sleep routine! Guilty as charged!
My magic number is 7. As long as I get 7 hours I’m good to go. I have actually set an alarm that reminds me everyday to get ready for bed time!
[…] Mom the Magnificent: Try your best to eat well, exercise and drink water daily. I see a huge shift in my sleep patterns the days I exercise versus the days I don’t. After dinner, avoid late-night snacking, especially food that will upset you or stimulate you. Taking care of your body has a lot to do with what you put into it. […]