My Peaceful Night Routine: 8 tips for a better sleep
This blog post and video are sponsored by Ancient Cosmetics; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Do you have a night routine? Does it help? Is it peaceful? Does it really matter? I, personally, say yes!
This year, I’m being intentional with how I spend my time (mornings and nights) so I do have a night routine. It’s peaceful, practical, and realistic! I also have a productive morning routine which you can check out here.
My Peaceful Night Routine
Drink a sleepy tea
I like to sip a hot cup of tea as I prepare for bed. I find that drinking a bedtime tea before hitting the sheets soothes me and prepares me for a peaceful night.
Fun fact: Did you know chamomile is known for fighting off insomnia, stress, anxiety, and upset stomachs?
Lay my workout clothes out
I like to set myself up for success when it comes to working out in the morning by making that decision the night before. When I lay out my clothes out the night before, I’m making it easy to hit up the gym in the morning because I’ve relieved myself of morning outfit decisions and can just get and go.
Wash and moisturize my face
I wash my face twice a day.
In the morning, I use a very gentle cleanser followed by a toner and moisturizer.
However, I really focus on my skin at night since I want to get rid of all the dirt, gunk and oil built up through the day.
I also like to follow up with an eyecream. Lately, I’ve been using Ancient Cosmeticz Rose Hip + Lavender Dark Circles & Blemishes Face Cream. I can truly say I’ve noticed a difference and my skin is brighter under eye.
Turn the fan on or set the AC up higher
Did you know sleeping in a cold room boosts the production of melatonin, which is not only a sleep hormone but also a powerful antioxidant!
I can only sleep if I’m cold and I usually have my fan running all night because it keeps me cool and adds white noise to the room. If I’m traveling, I’ll even pack my portable fan. Yes, it’s that serious!
Apply lavender drops to my diffuser
I’m a STAN for lavender. I started incorporating lavender into my nighttime routine last year and now I can’t be without it!
Here are some benefits of Lavender:
-works as an anxiolytic (an anxiety reliever) and as a sedative to increase relaxation and calm, and help bring about sleep
– interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA to help quiet the brain and nervous system activity, reducing agitation, anger, aggression, and restlessness
-functions as a pain reliever, or analgesic
-has anti-bacterial capabilities
-can reduce inflammation
Moisturize my hands and feet
Continuing the OMG-I-LOVE-LAVENDAR train, I also like to apply a moisturizer. My hands and feet tend to get dry through the day so I like to apply a body butter right before going to sleep.
Applying a lotion before bed creates softer, more hydrated, and better-looking skin the next day. It also helps seal in moisture and repairs the skin barrier that’s compromised by dry air.
I really enjoy the Lavender + Rosehip Body Butter by Ancient Cosmetics. The smell is not overbearing and it glides on like butter. With ingredients such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Rose Hip Oil and Lavender Essential Oil, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals either.
Apply Pillow spray
Let me start off by saying that you should be sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases, NOT cotton.
Cotton pillowcases are absorbent and will pick up dirt and oil from your skin so when you sleep on the same pillowcase night after night, you’re on your way to clogged pores and breakouts. Additionally, cotton pillowcases make your hair dryer since they absorb moisture.
Protect your hair and skin by using silk or satin pillow cases.
I like to combine my silk pillow cases with a natural pillow spray for an even extra boost of Lavender (I told yall, I’m a STAN, lol)
Read [and put my phone away]
I put my phone in the other room at night to help prevent be from scrolling all night on social media as well as easily pressing snooze in the morning when I need to wake up. I place my phone in another room at night and it has truly helped me to wake up earlier as well as reduce mindless social media.
At night I read on my tablet which does not have any social media apps on it. I tend to read for about 30-45 minutes before I get tired.
Rock a sleeping mask
Sleep masks block out light which helps minimize distractions, and improve sleep, and, ultimately your health.
Plus, they’re a lot cheaper than blackout curtains!
Watch the video here
Do you have a peaceful nighttime routine? If so, share below!