The Ultimate Night Time Routine: My 8 Step Ritual
The Cool Girl Nighttime Routine You Need To Get the Perfect Sleep
Bedtime is basically my favourite time of day. I know that sounds a bit weird and depressing but trust me, it's not like that. The hours that lead up to sleep are the most relaxing and peaceful. I'm super passionate about my bedtime routine and in my opinion, I have it perfected. Here are my eight tips for the best evening ever.
Consider Having Your Last Meal a Few Hours Before Bed
Intermittent fasting is a hotly debated topic. I'm not a doctor and won't be weighing in on whether or not it's right for everyone. What I will say is that it's pretty much universally agree upon that a heavy meal before bed means you're going to have a crappy sleep. Other than special occasions like a dinner out or some popcorn at a late night movie, I typically stop eating at least 2 hours before bed. Research shows fasting before bed can lessen your chances of experiencing acid reflux and stabilize blood sugars which lead to falling asleep quicker and better quality sleep. Win-win.
Turn Off the Big Lights
Now it’s time to set the mood. I really make my space as cozy and comfortable as possible. Turn off the big lights and get a couple of candles and vibey lamps going. The Fado from Ikea mixed with a smart bulb has been life-changing. It allows me to choose any light I’d like and keep it dim. I like to switch it up based on my mood but I love dark pink or red. Red light before bed has been thought to help stimulate the production of melatonin. Placebo? Very possible… but it looks cool what can I say.
Unwind & Refresh: The Hot Shower or Bath
Once your space feels super calming and peaceful, it’s time to go into self-care hygiene. I cannot get into bed without taking a shower. I like to keep the light low in the bathroom if possible and bring a candle in. Whatever you need to do to make the space feel zen, go for it. This isn’t just for relaxation either - taking a warm shower or bath up to 2 hours before bed lowers your body’s core temperature and signals to your body that it’s time to sleep.
Pro-tip: If you’re into bubble baths, the Dr. Teal’s Melatonin Bubble Bath is literally magic. I use this all throughout the winter. It smells amazing, lathers super well and is under 10 bucks.
Once you’re all warm and toasty from your shower, it’s time to prep your skin for bed. I love my skincare routine and cherish making the time for it everynight. I moisturize my body and hit those dry spots too. If I have the extra time, I’ll layer in a body oil to make it feel even more luxurious. Put on some music, an audiobook or a podcast you love and enjoy the time dedicated to you.
I also do all my necessary dental hygiene at this time. It’s best to take care of all this stuff early in the evening because once I start getting sleepy on the couch (see next step below), it all starts to feel like a chore and I rush through it without enjoying or doing anything properly aka half-assed flossing or skipping skincare steps. Do it early so you can do it right.
Pro-tip: slather your feet in a heavy duty moisturizer (I love O’Keefe’s) right after your shower and throw on some socks. My feet have never looked better and it’s absorbed by the time I get into bed cause I’m not into sleeping with socks on.
Get Your Tea On
A relaxing nighttime tea is so essential in my bed time routine. I love the ritual of picking a tea with a my favorite mug while the water boils. I choose my tea dependent on how I’m feeling. It’s usually a peppermint tea for digestion. If I’m feeling a little restless, I go with a “sleepy time” tea and channel the bear on the package. Grab your tea and make your way to the couch!
Couch Time Babes
What is a relaxing evening without a little tv time? I love to snuggle up on the couch clean, hydrated, unbothered with my tea for a little rest time. Lately, I’ve been aiming to put the phone or laptop away too. I sometimes sit down to watch tv and find myself surrounded by 3 screens and it suddenly feels like im in a newsroom and the opposite of relaxed. I wish I could tell you to watch something uplifting like a comedy before bed to have peaceful dreams but I can’t even take my own advice. I love horror and true crime. Watch what you want to watch and suffer the consequences, my dears.
Digital Detox & Bring Out the Book
After a few episodes of tv when the sleepiness starts kicking in, I plug the phone in to charge face down and put on do not disturb. If I get on TikTok, it’s over for me. I will be up for hours doomscrolling. I know this for a fact because I did it last night. I am a human and sometimes can’t help it - what can I say? When I do slip up and make those mistakes, I am filled with regret. The quality of my sleep dipped and it took me an hour to fall asleep. Studies show that bluelight inhibits the release of melatonin (the sleepy hormone) so try and put all the screens away.
The only “screen” I look at before bed is my e-reader. I love to read but I must admit, within about 15 minutes, it’s time for bed.
The Sleep Essentials
Finally, my last step. Once I’m ready for bed, I have a few must-haves in order to get my best sleep ever. I love a giant sleep mask to block out any light. I enjoy this one I got from Amazon because it’s comfortable and adjustable. I also am a big proponent of ear plugs. I share my bed with someone who occasionally snores and this just make sure I’ll sleep through it all. Lastly, I’ll do one more round of hydration. A little lip balm, hand cream, extra eye cream and lights out.
I hope my list inspires you to find your own routine. Take what works and leave what doesn’t. I’d love to know if there’s any essential step in your routine that I’m missing out on too. Bonne nuit mes amis!
xoxo
by fran