I haven’t quite figured it out yet, but something seems to be getting in the way of my sleep schedule. Maybe it’s the random hours of class schedule or the sky getting darker or my increasingly long mental “to-do” list, but I am working to get to the bottom of it. I am usually a stellar sleeper, like I could be a sleeping model. I love to sleep and prioritize my 7-8 nightly hours of slumber way above most other things.
Things would be so much easier if I drank caffeine, but I don’t, so with daylight savings time changing things up again soon, I thought it might be helpful to share a few things I’ve been trying to improve those nightly zzzzzz’s.

1. Slow Down. I try to give myself an hour for my night routine. I put away my projects, turn off my computer, and start winding down. I wash my face, brush my teeth, pack my lunch, lay out my clothes, straighten up around me, and spend time with Husband.
2. Light Candles. My mom recently introduced me to Woodwick flickering candles that sound like a fireplace. I enjoyed the calming scent and relaxing sound so much that I burned the whole thing in less than a month.
3. Spray Pillow Mist. I’ve been using Bath & Body Works Eucalypus Spearmint mist since high school and swear by it. The scent encourages me to take deep breaths and mentally prepare for sleep.
4. Play Calming Music. I’ve been loving the George Winston playlist on Pandora.
5. Make a List. I write down everything I need to do tomorrow so my brain can rest without having to hold them in working memory.
6. Turn Off the Lights. I try to keep all artificial light out of my bedroom. No TV’s, no charge chords, and no night lights. I need a dark space for my brain to unwind.
7. Count Your Blessings. This has really been helping as my final step. I usually fall asleep during this process (after blowing out the candles, of course). I enjoy thinking through the day and reflecting on everything that went well and everything I am thankful for.
8. Don’t Look at the Clock. If for some reason, I wake up in the middle of the night, I make myself promise not to look at the clock. It stresses me out to think about how long I have until I have to wake up, so I just imagine I have plenty of time and hop back in bed.

That’s my routine! I’m planning to stick to it and hope for a quick return to my peaceful nights. What do you do to encourage restful sleep?
Great tips! I especially like number 5. I find myself thinking about everything I need to get done the next day and have a hard to relaxing my mind to sleep. Writing it out is a wonderful idea!
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You couldn’t have written this at a better time 🙂 I am a horrible sleeper, and have been thinking about ways to figure out a night routine that will work for me. I’m going to give some of these a go! I love that range from BBBW but have never tried the spray, so thanks for the reminder!
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Wishing you sweet sleep and happy dreams!
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Love this! Great tips! I’ll have to try some of that spray!
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I really like your tips! I think the seasonal change effects me and I have trouble getting to sleep! Thanks
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This is a great list! I totally understand crazy class schedules messing up your rhythm, and I get so frustrated over sleeping for seven hours but still feeling exhausted – and then relying on coffee to fully wake me up! This semester is crazy and is only going to get crazier, so I’m definitely going to try some of these 🙂
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Hope they work for you!
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Great advise. Now, to just follow through with them….at least most of them! 🙂
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Thanks for the tips! I tend to sleep in my workout clothes for the morning, pick out my clothes for the next day, predetermine what is for breakfast, and set reminders for specific tasks that need to be handled later in the week. Having a consistent bed time would be awesome, but I’ve not managed the art of it yet. With kids and coaching in the evenings, it is tough sometimes to stay consistent. I love the tips you gave about lighting candles and spray. I’d love to have some essential oils to disperse in the evening as well. Looking at the clock used to stress me too, so I try my best not to look at it. Thanks for the reminder!
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Smart thinking sleeping in your workout clothes! I always hate putting them on in the early mornings!
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Yeah, if I wait until morning to put them on, I’ll go back to sleep! It happened too many times 😉
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I am usually a good sleeper as well. When sleep doesn’t come sometimes I pray myself to sleep “counting those blessings instead of sheep” know what Christmas movie that line is from?
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White Christmas!! Love that movie!!
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Reblogged this on Doodle Your Life and commented:
Nice post!
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Love it! Thanks for sharing!
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I use the spray mist technique as well. Got the Bath and Body scent. It works for sure.!! But I’ll try the candle idea. I’m just afraid I may burn the place down in the middle of the night! Lol
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Haha, I blow it out right before I fall asleep 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
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Such wonderful tips ..thanks a lot
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Great tips! Especially number 8! I always find myself upset that I only have one hour left of shut eye then end up tossing and turning waiting until my alarm clock goes off!
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