bedtime routine

  • How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep: Tips For Waking Up Refreshed

    Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, yet many people struggle to get the sleep they need. If you have trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can try to help you get the rest you need. Consider trying some of these tips to get a better night’s sleep and feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day tomorrow.

    get a good night's sleep

    Creating A Bedtime Routine

    A bedtime routine is important for getting a good night’s sleep. It signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. A bedtime routine can look different for everyone, but there are some key components that are essential for a good night’s rest. First, you should disconnect from electronics at least 30 minutes before bed. This means no more screen time, whether it’s scrolling through social media, watching TV, or playing video games. This will help you to avoid the stimulation that can keep you up at night. Next, you should relax your body with some gentle stretches or relaxation exercises. This will help to release any tension that you may be feeling and help you to drift off to sleep more easily. Finally, you should dim the lights in your bedroom and make sure that the temperature is comfortable. These simple steps can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep. So if you’re struggling to get some shut-eye, try creating a bedtime routine and see how it helps you to get the rest that you need.

    Blocking Out The Sunlight

    Blocking out sunlight before bedtime is crucial for sleep. At night, our body’s production of the sleep hormone melatonin increases in response to the absence of light. During the day, sunlight suppresses melatonin production. Bedtime is the ideal time to allow our melatonin levels to naturally rise so we can sleep better. Blocking out sunlight exposure in the evening allows us to fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly throughout the night. In addition, blocking out sunlight helps to reset our internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, which can be thrown off by exposure to light at night. How do you achieve this? By investing in heavy black-out window curtains.  But what if you don’t have any window coverings? Or what if you live in a remote area where there is no artificial light to block out? In these cases, it can be helpful to use a sleep mask. Sleep masks are designed to block out all light, helping you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. And since they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, they are worth considering if you have trouble sleeping.

    No Electronics Before Bedtime

    Unfortunately, many of us have gotten into the habit of using electronics right up until we turn out the lights. Whether it’s checking our email one last time, scrolling through social media, or watching TV, this exposure to artificial light can interfere with our body’s natural sleep cycle. Meaning, the blue light emitted by screens suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to our bodies that it’s time to sleep. As a result, we may find ourselves tossing and turning all night long, when we could be getting deep, restful sleep. So put away those electronics at least an hour before bedtime, and give yourself a chance to truly relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

    No Big Meals Or Caffeine Before Bed

    It’s common knowledge that eating a big meal before bed is a recipe for indigestion and sleeplessness. And yet, so many of us continue to do it night after night. Why? Because we’re hungry, and dinner was hours ago. It’s tempting to just snack on something before bed, but that can lead to the same problems. Foods high in fat and sugar are especially problematic, as they can cause an energy spike just when we need to be winding down. And of course, caffeine is a notorious sleep-wrecker. So if you’re having trouble getting a good night’s rest, it’s worth considering your pre-bedtime habits. Try avoiding large meals and snacks before bed, and cut back on caffeine in the evening. You might just find yourself sleeping better through the night.

    Exercise

    There are many benefits to exercising, and one of them is that it can help induce sleep. When you work out, your body temperature rises and then falls, which can help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Exercise helps to release sleep-promoting hormones like serotonin and endorphins. And finally, exercise can tires you out physically, making it more likely that you’ll fall asleep when you get into bed. So if you’re having trouble sleeping, try adding some exercise to your routine. Just be sure to do it at least a few hours before bedtime so that you don’t get too revved up just before trying to sleep.

    Reduce Liquid Intake

    As far as drinking water before bed goes, it’s generally best to stop drinking about 2 hours before sleep. This will help minimize the number of times you have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. If you know you’ll be waking up in the middle of the night anyway (for example, if you have young children), it’s best to cut off your water intake even earlier.

    Lower The Room Temperature

    One of the most common sleep disruptions is an uncomfortable room temperature. Studies have shown that a cooler room temperature is ideal for sleep. According to Sleep Foundation, 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit would be the optimal range. By lowering the temperature before bedtime, you can create an environment that is more conducive to sleep. In addition to helping you get a good night’s sleep, a cooler room temperature can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.

    Invest In A Comfortable Mattress and Pillows

    There’s nothing quite like crawling into bed at the end of a long day and sinking into a comfortable mattress. But did you know that a good mattress can actually help you sleep better? That’s right – a comfortable mattress can mean the difference between a restful night’s sleep and being restless all night long. A comfortable mattress helps to reduce tossing and turning, and it can also provide the right amount of support for your back and neck. As a result, you’ll sleep more soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.

    Additionally, pillows provide support for your head and neck, helping you to maintain a comfortable position throughout the night. In addition, they can also help to keep your spine properly aligned, which can reduce pain and stiffness in the morning. But not all pillows are created equal. Look for a pillow that is soft yet supportive and that contours to your unique shape. You may also want to experiment with different fillings, such as down or memory foam, to find the material that best meets your needs. With a little trial and error, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pillow for a good night’s sleep.

    Reduce Surrounding Noise 

    Whether it’s the sound of traffic or your neighbor’s dog barking, outside noise can be enough to keep you from sleeping peacefully. But there are ways to fight back. By reducing the surrounding noise, you can give yourself a better chance of getting a good night’s rest. Noise reducers aid in blocking out unwanted sounds. There are many different types of noise reducers, so you can find one that suits your needs and your budget. 

    Another way to reduce outside noise is by investing in and wearing earplugs. Oh, and remember those thick curtains? They do more than block out the light. They also keep out street noise. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that you get the restful sleep you need.

    get a good night's sleep

    In conclusion, getting a good night’s sleep is essential for feeling your best the next day. When we sleep it allows us to process information from the day and sort through memories, which helps improve our mood and overall mental health. When we don’t get enough rest, it can negatively affect both our physical and mental health in a number of ways. So if you’re struggling to get a full eight hours, consider implementing some of these tips to make sure you’re giving yourself the best chance at a good night’s sleep. Sweet dreams!

  • Wanna Survive the Daytime? You Better Get a Bedtime Routine

    bedtime routine mommyrandr valerie pierre

    There was a time where I couldn’t make it to noon without needing a nap. As hard as tried I just could not keep my eyes open. The onslaught of exhaustion became the bane of my existence. And while I love a good nap, I can’t always be sleeping cause I got shit to fucking do during the day.

    Then one night at 3 a.m. it hit me as I lay awake trolling Twitter. This right was my problem and why I couldn’t function in the daylight hours. You woulda thought I would’ve figured it out sooner. Better late than never, right? The problem was when it was time for bed I got up from my desk from being on the internet and hopped my ass in the bed and got right back on the internet. *buzzer sound* This is not the proper way to go to bed. While I was physically shutting down my body, I wasn’t shutting down my brain.

    Enter my new bedtime routine.

    Y’all should already know what a bedtime routine is, but if you don’t, it’s a series of wind down activities you do just before you go to bed to help you go right to sleep. Now keep in mind no one bedtime routine is the same. My routine has 7 steps but yours might only have 4. My routine takes an hour and starts at 11 p.m. and in this order or I’m not gonna be able to sleep.

    Take my vitamins (multi & hair, nail, and skin)

    bedtime routine mommyrandr valerie pierre

    I always take my vitamins at night before sleep. Why? They take hours to break down in my system. What sense would it make for me to take them at 8 a.m. and finally kicking in at 3 p.m. when I need the energy before then. So I take them at night so when I wake up my struggle level isn’t 10 and I can hit the ground running with energy that will carry me through the afternoon. Also, if you wanna grow your nails get these Vitafusion vitamins. They are the business.

    Take a shower and brush my teeth

    Next, I go take a shower. I’m usually in there about 15 minutes. I alternate between hot and cold water. I let the hot run on me and I stand there as it rinses off the drama and stress of the day. Then as I bathe and rinse I use cooler water. After my shower, I’ll floss and brush my teeth.

    Brew a pot of tea

    bedtime routine valerie pierre mommyrandr

    As soon as I leave the bathroom I brew a pot a tea. I’m a huge fan of T2 teas. So I’ll make a mug of relax or lemongrass and ginger. My tea doesn’t take too long since I don’t let the water boil. It’s hot just enough. I also won’t add too much sugar since I just brushed and cause I need to go to sleep, or I’ll add a small amount of honey.

    I will drink my tea as I go through the rest of my routine.

    Moisturize my skin

    I’ll add a light lotion to my skin. My dresser is loaded with lotion. I put on whatever my hand lands on. I don’t want anything too oily or too heavy as I want to feel my skin breathing. I’ll also put on my Olay Age Defying Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream, cause I’m a woman of a certain age.

    Mist and massage my scalp

    bedtime routine valerie pierre mommyrandr

    My hair needs moisture or it’ll be hard and dry. So, with my water bottle, I’ll spritz my hair with a water and oil and water combination and add a little leave-in conditioner. I’ll rub and massage it in then put my satin lined Grace Eleyae cap on. In the morning my hair will be soft and shiny. I like this cap cause it’s got an elastic band that won’t slip off.

    Lower the air temperature

    I need the room to be cold, and I mean cold. I sleep with blankets year-round so I set the air conditioner to 67 degrees on the highest cooling level. The room gets brick quick, and no matter how cold the room may get I won’t feel it as I’m snug as a bug under all my blankets.

    Get in bed with Calm app

    I know, I know I’m not supposed to have electronics in the bed, but, I’m not actually looking at it, I’m listening. Calm app is the last step that really brings everything together. Now that I’m covered up to my neck I put my headphones in and set the app to relaxing sounds. I usually choose some sort of water sounds like rain or a waterfall. I turn the volume down low and turn over. It’s lights out in less than five minutes. Thankfully there’s a timer on the music that it cuts off after an hour.

    When I wake up the next day, yeah I’m dreading getting up, that’s never going to change but at least I’m refreshed having received almost eight hours of sleep. And that’s the key to it all – getting the proper amount of rest. By getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night you won’t have to worry about trying to survive the next day.

    Do you have a bedtime routine? What does it consist of?