How to Improve Your Sleep with a Bedtime Routine?

Introduction

Sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy life, and good sleep begins with the right bedtime routine. As someone who’s had erratic sleeping patterns historically and is not a morning person without enough of it, finding the right bedroom routine has been transformative.

Why a Routine Matters

Good sleep hygiene begins long before our heads hit the pillow, as wellness expert Jodie Perry, founder of Soulstice London, explains. “I think the word ‘routine’ explains it so well. Having that consistency and habit that allows the different systems in your body to understand what you’re asking them to do much more easily. If the body recognises a pattern then it will slip into the journey quicker.”

Benefits of a Good Sleep Routine

A good sleep routine can have numerous benefits for our overall health. “A well-thought-out wind-down routine helps to lower stress hormones like cortisol, regulate emotions and prepare the body for rest,” chiropractor and counsellor Dr Sarah Jane, founder of healing modality Spinal Energetics, told us. “It can also improve our sleep quality, reduce insomnia and promote a deeper and more restorative sleep.”

Tips for a Better Bedtime Routine

Here are some rules and rituals I’ve found most useful when it comes to creating the right bedtime routine, with some help from leading wellness experts:

• Invest in a Pillow Mist: A relaxing scent like lavender or rose can help you drift off more easily.
• Get Some Sunlight in the Morning: Bright light exposure helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
• Exercise (but not before bed): Regular exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
• Dim the Lights: The body releases the hormone melatonin in response to darkness, helping you wind down.

Conclusion

Creating a bedtime routine that suits your lifestyle can significantly improve your sleep quality. Consistency is key, and with these tips, you can train your body to recognize when it’s time to wind down, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. For more detailed tips, visit the full article here.