For the most part, I’ve always been lucky in the sleep department. It has never taken me too long to drift off, and I’ve never battled with waking up throughout the night. That said, there are always short periods where I find my sleep suffers a little. Recently, I think it’s because we are in contract on our apartment in the city (closing in July / August) but don’t yet know where we are going to be next. Exciting, but also makes me slightly anxious! Here are a few things I’ve been relying on in the evening hours to help me relax and get to sleep as easily as possible.
Turning Off Technology // Everything I’ve read advises you to stop looking at screens of any kind (TV, iPhone, iPad etc.) roughly 90 minutes before you plan to get to sleep. Apparently the bright light of the screen tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime, and doesn’t allow you to properly wind down as your body naturally would. This one is tough for me, but I try to minimize screen time on my iPhone as much as possible post 9pm.
Reading // I took a big break from reading novels for awhile (maybe because I was so focused on baby books!) but I’m getting back in the swing of things. Nothing sets me into a better sleep than reading a good book in bed. I just finished this and am currently reading this.
Meditation // I rely on apps to meditate, and they seriously work. My current favorite is called Calm, and their 10 minute Deep Sleep session makes me whole body feel meltingly relaxed. I have rarely gotten to the end of the session without drifting off to sleep first.
Skincare // I have recently added this, this and this to my nighttime skincare routine (clearly I’m into balms!), and now look forward to the process of washing up every night. Once I’m in bed, I slather on this and this from my bedside table.
Scents // This pillow spray is the best, although it’s pricey and I apply very liberally to our sheets, so recently I’ve been making my own (20 drops of lavender oil in a mini spray bottle, fill with cold water and shake to combine).
PJ’s // There’s nothing like slipping on a great pair of cozy pjs before you climb into bed (or at 6:30pm once your baby has gone to sleep ;)). This brand is a current favorite.
Sweet dreams!!
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