I’ve always loved sleep. It’s a well known fact in my family that I slept through the night for the first time when I was a tiny baby (My mum loved me!)
Over the last few years my sleep routine has been non-existent, and I’ve been known to get up late, plus stay up super late with an over-active mind that won’t shut itself off, then repeat the cycle forever. However, this past couple of months I’ve been working on it and I’ve got back a really good sleep routine, that I’m actually super happy with, so I thought I’d share what works for me in today’s post!
Be consistent
One of the most important things that works for me is going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. I set my alarm for about 8:20 every weekday, and usually fall asleep about 11pm every evening, that means I’m getting at least 8 and a half hours, which I so need. After a few days your body clock gets used to it, and you naturally wake up at that time (without an alarm) and start getting sleepy when the evening wears on. It’s a bit freaky and at the same time wonderful how in tune our bodies are with what we practice regularly. On the weekend I let myself stretch the boundaries a little (although not too much) by adding 30-45 minutes on each end.
Don’t go to bed hungry
I hear a lot of people say not to go to bed on a full stomach, but for me, it’s don’t go to bed hungry! Granted I don’t have a 3 course meal at 9pm, but I always have a snack an hour before bed so I feel satisfied. Plus, sometimes you can feel naturally sleepy after you’ve eaten too which helps. I usually have a bit of dark chocolate or some fruit, and I always wake up ravenous and ready for breakfast anyway, I guess I’m just that kind of person!
Be organised
This isn’t so much with your sleep routine, but with general day to day life. I always plan my diary 3 days in advance so I feel prepared for the days ahead, and I’m not awake worrying about how I’m going to get everything done at midnight.
Find what works for you
This sounds a bit vague, but whether it’s having a cup of tea before bed, or watching a Youtube video, do your thing. I find watching vlogs super relaxing, so I’m not one of those ‘don’t touch your phone for 2 hours before bed’ kind of people. Personally, I read for a good half hour and spritz a pillow spray. Sometimes I even stretch to the odd self- foot massage and it feels glorious!
Body scan
This is probably my fail safe ‘I can’t sleep but really want to’ tip. It might be a bit hard to describe but I’ll give it a go!
Basically, you start at your feet and clench one foot super tight, into a really small ball, hold this for 10 seconds, then release super, super slowly. The slower, the better. Then you do the other foot, before moving upwards towards your legs, arms, hands etc. This is a well-known relaxation method and it works every time for me, I’ll usually be fast asleep before I even finish it.
Do you have any good sleep tips?