A couple of weeks ago, I shared my everyday morning routine with you all, so I thought it would make sense to go ahead and share my evening routine with you.
I have struggled with getting good sleep for a very long time, and have tried just about everything to help me get better rest, and the evening routine tips below seem to work the best for me.
I wish I could say I am better about doing this evening routine, but sometimes I am just too tired and end up crawling into bed. One thing I never ever forget to do though, is remove the makeup from my face (and brush my teeth! #obvi). The other things I will do, on a perfect night, when I care about going the extra mile for a night of good rest.
Photo by Elan Photographie Studio
THE PERFECT EVENING ROUTINE TO HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER
1. Apple Cider Vinegar – Just like in the morning, another time I like to drink ACV is right before bed. I love that I feel like it’s working in my system, for a full 8 hours, while I sleep. Not only is it supposed to aid in weight loss, but it stabilizes your blood sugar, which is a must if I have had two glasses of wine that night, and don’t want to wake up at 1am wired! Anyone else get that post-wine blood sugar spike after they hit 30?!
2. Magnesium – This is a wonder supplement, that most people are completely depleted of. Magnesium plays a huge role in the function of your body, yet our fruits and vegetables continue to produce less of it and other nutrients, we need. I initially started taking magnesium by recommendation of my naturopath, to assist with, well…”staying regular”. Not only has it helped with that, but taking a couple tablets before bedtime also reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and relaxes my muscles to help aid with good rest. There are a few different supplements I like for this. Right now, I am taking these Magnesium Glycinate tablets. (I’ve read magnesium glycinate is more easily absorbable than other forms of magnesium.) I also really like this powder that you can mix with water, because it absorbs quickly.
3. Tea – Brandon and I have recently become addicted to tea! We love mixing 1 bag of stress relief tea and 1 bag of bedtime tea. The combination helps wind the mind and body down.
4. Wash Face – This doesn’t really help with better sleep, but I never go to bed without removing my makeup. At bare minimum, I always use these makeup remove wipes. If I am being really good, I follow up with a face wash, toner, serum and face oil regimen. You can learn more about my overall beauty routine and products I swear by, here.
5. Put on a podcast – When Brandon and I met, I was a total “fall asleep with the TV on” kind of girl. He wasn’t, so we eventually compromised and decided audio sound was the way to go. Every night, we put on On Being or Ted Radio Hour. They are typically more soothing than some of the other motivational podcasts I listen to during the day. You can see more about which podcasts I love here. If I wake up in the middle of the night and my mind starts racing, I usually put on the “Sleep With Me” podcast. This guy just talks gibberish and tells ridiculous stories, that help you tune out and fall asleep.
This evening routine may seem like a lot to try to tackle before bedtime, but all these steps are really so essential to me for good quality sleep. If I’m still wired before bed, and in need of good sleep, I’ll also take a melatonin or this product called Sleep Thru.
Do you practice an evening routine for better sleep? What are your tips for great rest? Share them in the comments below!
I totally needed this post because I haven't been sleeping well lately! Thank you for this! I had no idea that apple cider vinegar and magnesium helps!www.rdsobsessions.com
I love drinking tea before bed. It calms me down so much! I am a stickler for washing my face before bedtime too.