Me and bedtime have not always been very good friends.
It’s not even that I am out or doing anything particularly fascinating. It’s just that if I am left to my own devices, I will stay up ALL NIGHT like an idiot. Whether it’s reading, writing, working, or just watching TV or a movie, (until recently) nothing made me happier than being up, late, just doing my thing. With this year’s wellness challenge (and just wanting to be a better, more productive human), I really wanted to start getting up earlier and sleeping more (all of this exercise has me TIRED), so I’ve had to make some changes and the number one thing has been getting to bed earlier! My goal lately has been to be in my bed by ten, reading til about 10:45, meditating, and being asleep around 11. (That might sound late to some but keep in mind I used to stay up til 1 or 2am most nights!!) What’s really helped me has been creating a bedtime routine that I genuinely look forward to… when you make bedtime feel like an indulgent treat, it’s a whole lot easier… even for us night owls! Read on to hear about my routine.
PS – A word about my wallpaper – it’s Chasing Paper! BUT my sister designed it using one of her patterns (this one). Basically, I wanted her pattern but to be able to remove it as I rent. Chasing Paper does not carry this exact pattern but they have a zillion amazing patterns and it’s so great because it’s easy to remove if you move or want to switch things up.
At around 9:30 or so I try to wind down everything I’m doing. I start by doing my stretches (I’ll stretch out my ham strings + hips as they get tight) and I will foam roll my back and IT band (which also gets so tight from running!). I’ll wash my face and do all my skincare things (see also: my bedtime skincare routine), brush my teeth, and put on PJs. I take my probiotic and my mag citrate supplements (two of each; my old nutritionist got me into both of these). I also just started taking an evening primrose oil supplement as I heard it helps with cramps.
Once I’m settled, before I get into bed I like to moisturize my hands and feet with organic coconut oil. I’ve also been using Osmia’s night oil which smells so good and is perfect for before bedtime. If my muscles are feeling sore (this has been the case lately!) I will massage this amazing gel into my arms and legs). Maybe I’ll mist my face with a little rosewater if I’m feeling ultra fancy.
I’ll spritz my pillow with a sleep mist (this one from This Works is the BEST), and then settle in with a book for at least half an hour, sometimes an hour if I’m reading something really good.
Once I’ve finished reading I put on my silk eye mask (a must – besides blocking out light it helps to prevent fine lines around your eyes if you are a stomach or side sleeper like me) and almost always do Headspace’s sleep meditation. (It’s amazing.) Or, I will listen to a bedtime story on the Calm app. That knocks me out and I’m almost always asleep by 10:30 or 11 at the latest.
What’s your bedtime routine like? Any rituals that help you get to sleep?
Photography by Trent Bailey.
Wow, the setting looks so lush! So comfortable! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks Charmaine! x
I love hearing routines as they almost always inspire me to try something new. I am not a great sleeper and think that I need to try out some meditation pre-bed. I’ve finally downloaded Calm!
xo,
Em
http://www.organicallyemily.com
Aw good! Let me know how you like it!!!
I love this so much! I just recently started doing my korean skincare every night and I’ve loved it because it signals to my body that I’m ready for bed. I don’t lotion NEAR enough so I’m going to be taking your lead on that one.
The Adored Life
Love that!!!
I’ve always wanted to try a pillow mist. They have one from the Aromatherapy line at B&BW. I’ve used the night time body wash & it is AMAZING and makes me feel so relaxed after my shower!
It really makes bedtime such a luxury!
The sleep stories on the calm app are the BEST! My boyfriend and I always laugh when people ask us what they’re about, we say “who knows! we pass out!”
Haha! That’s great – I love them too. 🙂
I actually need a lot of help when it comes to bedtime. I’m just like you used to be, I go to bed at around 2 am every night. No matter how much I try to go to bed earlier, it only works for a couple days, then I go back to late nights and waking up late the next day. I’m gonna try to do the same you do.
It’s all about having a routine… it’s really helped me!
I’m a mom of three and I found your blog once for your book reviews and have never left. I come for fashion, wellness, skin advice and a total escape. I want to move into your apartment and stay there. Seriously, it looks like a spa to me. Your nightstand alone, can I have it? It has all things just for YOU. I’m cleaning off my nightstand today!
Awww this is the nicest comment ever! Thank you! xx
I really need to get back into a good night routine. I had one down last year, but it got all messed up around summer with traveling and such and I never got back into it! Also, I definitely need to check out that eye mask since I am a big side/stomach sleeper!
Angela
An eye mask is such a gamechanger – makes a big difference.
Coconut oil is my favorite! I so need to start stretching before I go to sleep!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
It makes such a big difference!
Can you pull some strings with your sister/Chasing Paper and get them to mass-produce that wallpaper? Major heart eyes over here 😀
Haha I know, I wish!
I would love to hear an update on if the primrose oil supplement helps with cramps!
I will let you know!
i’ve heard nothing but good things about the this works pillow spray. i really need to give it a try!
It’s amazing!!!
Hi Grace! Did you mention another sore-muscle gel on InstaStories the other day? I feel like I saw it but didn’t have the sound on … checked your Stories Highlights but didn’t see it – could be the same one that you linked here? Just curious!
Thanks!
Julia
I think that was the one! Or maybe Tata Harper? x
I also love having a bedtime routine. Will have to look into the calm app. I have recently started diffusing oils at night and find this also helps get me in the bedtime/relaxing mindset.
You should check it out!!! I love it.
Love reading about your bedtime routine! I definitely need to work on mine haha!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
Thanks Katie! x