Relaxing Bedtime Routines to Help You Sleep Well

Do you have trouble falling asleep each night, no matter how tired you are? If so, you need to enact a relaxing bedtime routine to help get your body and mind in the right mood for sleep. Repeating these actions nightly can help signal to your body that it’s time to go to bed, which might be all you need to actually get a restful night’s sleep.

Here’s how to get into a relaxing bedtime routine for yourself.

1. Power down

Smartphones and electronic devices have made our lives easier in many ways, but at night, that blue screen stimulates our brains, keeping us awake. Try to avoid looking at your devices for about one hour before you go to bed to calm your mind. You might think you’re getting ahead for tomorrow by reading those emails, but the reality is you’re just adding more fodder for your brain to worry and mull over. Forget about it until morning.

2. Meditate and unwind

If your brain just doesn't stop it, try meditating or performing relaxation exercises. Even yoga poses that prime you for sleep are a good idea. By doing these, you get your body to relax and de-stress, which is good for sleep.

3. Read a real book

Sit in your favorite nook and read a book for pleasure. Make it nothing to do with work or school and devote yourself to reading for a good 20 to 30 minutes nightly. Your brain will relax and go to another place, allowing you to feel more primed for sleeping.

4. Relax with music

Music really is good for your soul. Just choose something relaxing instead of upbeat, and you’ll find it helps you get the shut-eye you need.

5. Write that down

If you have a habit of laying down in bed while your brain nags at you about upcoming projects or things you shouldn’t forget at the store, then before you wind down, write it down. By taking it out of your brain and putting it on paper, you free your mind from having to remember it. And by doing that, it will actually stop pestering you to remember. Ah, relief!

6. Check the thermostat

Research has shown that if your bedroom is too hot, it can keep you from sleeping. Lower temperatures signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. By keeping your room at a comfortable cool temperature, you’ll sleep more soundly and without waking often.

7. Get up if you can’t sleep

Still can’t sleep, and find yourself wide-eyed and awake? Get up and go into another room. Keep the lights dim and do something relaxing like reading or listening to calming music. Give it 15 minutes and then try to lay down again.

Don’t forget that during the day, take care of yourself by getting exercise and eating right. These things will help your body feel good and can help you get the sleep you need when it’s time to go to bed.