Give Yourself Time
First of all, giving yourself time to get ready for bed is essential. That means if you want to go to bed by 11 p.m., try starting your routine 1-2 hours before.
This may sound time-consuming, but what sounds worse: staying up to watch the last episode but waking up cranky and rushing to work or putting in the time to get a good night’s rest and waking up ready to tackle the day?
Shut Off Electronics
There’s a reason experts recommend shutting off your electronics before bed: it disrupts your sleep! The light your phone emits reduces melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Even if your phone offers a “night screen” setting, activating your mind with social media and games won’t help you feel any more relaxed.
If you need to fall asleep to the TV, try setting a sleep timer and lowering the screen brightness all the way down to ensure you’re not sleeping with the TV on all night.
Do Something Relaxing
Whether it’s reading a book, cuddling with your pet, or taking a bath, this is where you’ll want to do something to relax your mind and body.
Taking a bath every night profoundly affects your mental and physical health, especially when you pair them with specific scents. It’s important to understand how scents can improve your mood when you’re stressed.
Empty Your Mind
Now that you’re relaxed and ready for bed, it’s time to empty your mind. You can do this through journaling, meditating, or even writing out your to-do lists for the next day.
Going to bed anxious can put a damper on the quality of your sleep, so take some time to truly empty your mind of responsibilities, how your day went, and more.
These four ways to create the perfect night routine for better sleep will ensure you’re ready to get the best sleep and have a great start to the next day. Try experimenting with your nightly routine to find what works for you!