What is the best way to get ready for bed?

Hi Erin!

Thank you so much for sharing your question with the EmpowHER community! You certainly are not alone, getting in a good restful sleep is not always easy. I think a lot of factors weigh in on getting a good night's rest. Often it depends on how you slept the night before, what you ate that day, whether or not you got in some exercise. What you do during the day can set the tone for how you are going to sleep later that evening.

Here's a great article from the EmpowHER community with some great suggestions on setting a sleep routine. https://www.empowher.com/community/share/sleep-well-you-deserve-it

My favorite ones are:

1. Avoid high energy activities right before bed (like doing laundry). I would suggest taking a hot bath with lavender oil or reading a relaxing novel.

2. Avoid caffeine or sugar at least an hour before bed. I would drink a cup of decaf chamomile tea, known for it's soothing and peace inducing effects.

3. Do a digital cleanse an hour before bed. Meaning, no more iPad games, emails, text messages or social media before bed. These activities can keep you up far past bedtime as they ignite new thoughts and ideas instead of letting the day go and finding peace and quiet.

Here is another great article that has a ton of great tips...I especially like the idea of wearing earplugs to bed! I am going to try that one tonight.

https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/creating-healthy-sleep-routine

Erin, I hope some of these tips work for you! Let me know!

Best,

Kristin