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Although in the past I considered sleep as a nature’s way of going against my desire to squeeze as many activities as I can during the day, I’ve learned the hard way that my lack of sleep has costed me a lot (not being able to fully concentrate on work the next day and once I even napped while watching a theatre play). Maybe some people are able to function with just a few hours of sleep (apparently Marta Steward sleeps only 4 hours a night) but I’ve come to realize that a good night’s sleep is what I need to function properly the next day. But with all the distractions and thoughts in our minds, it can be hard to obtain a good amount of sleep. If this is your case, here are some things you can do to relax before going to bed.
Avoid Staring at Your Computer and Phone Screen
No matter how much I wanted to go to bed at a decent time, there always seemed to be something interfering with that and keeping me up later than my intended light-out at 10 pm. Whether it was an email that I didn’t manage to respond to during the day, some funny video, or some long article that seemed too interesting to be skipped, something always got in the way. The truth is that having access to the internet comes with so many distractions – online shopping, text messaging, the next episode of your favorite Netflix show and many more and hardly anyone can stay immune to all that.
But evening screen time can sabotage sleeping simply because the blue light that electronic gadgets emit confuses your body regarding when it’s time to sleep. That is why no matter how hard it may seem, you should try to place your phone or tablet aside at least for two hours before going to sleep so you won’t toss and turn in bed. Instead, try to focus on preparing for the next day. Lay out the clothes that you are planning to wear for the next morning, or start journaling and write down the things that happened that day that you are grateful for.
What You Wear in Bed Matters
Picking the right pajamas can also support a good shut-eye (unless you find it comfortable to sleep naked, or in your undies). I, for instance, discovered that womens cotton nighties work best for me. As someone that believes in simple acts of self-care, like what we choose to wear, I treated myself with a collection of several vintage womens cotton nighties. I love their relaxed silhouette as they don’t stick to my body or make me uncomfortable in any may. They are also romantic with hand embroidery, and lace – features that French Country inspired nightwear is known for.
When it comes to the fabric, I prefer cotton because it is a natural fiber that’s breathable and can absorb moisture which means it can offer more comfort than other materials. Also, cotton is resistant to mites and dust and therefore it won’t cause irritation to your skin or aggravate your allergies (if you suffer from one). With all this being said, if you ask me, there is nothing quite like slipping into a loose, airy, cozy womens cotton nighties before dozing off after a long day. There is a variety of beautiful and stylish ladies cotton nighties available that offer comfort, and ooze with feminine flair, so you surely will be able to find something that works for you.
Relax Your Mind and Body
What this means is that you should give yourself some time to simply detach from all the stress accumulated thorough the day. Remind yourself that you are done for today and that you will start again tomorrow. To help you with that, you can put on relaxing guided meditation music or maybe play nature sounds like ocean waves or falling rain. I prefer listening to ASMR videos which recently became a part of my nighttime routine as they help me relax and unwind my mind.
To relax your body before going to sleep, you can try doing some breathing techniques. Try to inhale slowly through your nose to the count of five, pause and then slowly exhale. You can repeat this simple exercise a few times. As you slow down and concentrate on your breathing, your heart rate will also slow down and you’ll feel more relaxed.
