Rest Is Essential To Your Wellbeing: 4 Ways To Achieve The Ultimate Sleep Routine

By Shaquana Rodd

Routines are part of our daily lives and are essential to creating order, healthy habits, and structure no matter how big or small. With so many distractions and stimulants surrounding us daily, we thought it would only be right to discuss the importance of rest. As simple as this sounds, most people underestimate the wealth of a good night’s sleep and the wonders it can provide for your mood, health, and brain function. Self-care should always leave us feeling better than where we started. I know life pulls us all in so many directions and there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to do all the things we desire, but when the body needs rest, we must oblige. On this Wellness Wednesday lets Set the Mood and prioritize rest by tapping into the Ultimate Sleep Routine guaranteed to leave you rested, recharged, and ready to seize the day!

But first, let's talk about why sleep is so important...

We’re always told to get a good night’s rest, but why? It’s important to know the benefits and what sufficient sleep can provide us. There are some obvious benefits like increased awareness and focus and improved immunity, but sleep also improves our mood, conserves our energy, and restores our cellular makeup as well. Essentially, sleep gives our bodies the necessary outlet to repair itself so that it can work properly. In fact, the CDC recommends adults (18-60) get 7+ hours of sleep every night. Nearly 1/3 of our day should be spent in slumber so that we can spend the remaining 2/3 performing at optimum levels. Because of our demanding lives, we may not get the recommended dosage of sleep that is necessary, and this could lead to sleep deprivation causing fatigue, mood changes, and weight gain. Understanding the importance of rest, prioritizing it and your body’s natural circadian rhythm is a good start to improving your sleep patterns and overall health.

Now let's get into the routine shall we?

1. Eliminate Distractions

In a world filled with technology and so many stimulants, it’s easy to gravitate towards bright lights from the television and phone screens. Studies suggest that exposure to blue lights from electronic devices can significantly reduce one’s melatonin which in turn impacts one’s ability to fall asleep quickly. Limiting screen time during night hours is good practice to limit brain stimulation, also try putting your phone on DND and sleep with your phone far from your head as it has been found to emit electromagnetic radiation. Eliminating bright lights at least 2-3 hours before sleep is key. Maintaining a healthy and consistent nightly routine will help to create healthy sleep patterns to ensure you’re getting proper and sufficient rest.

2. Bath Time

Nothing says self-love like romanticizing rest! We want Full Court Press-ure, don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops when it comes to setting the mood for a blissful night’s rest. First things first, bath time. Showers are quick and get the job done but try drawing yourself a nice warm bath adorned with bubbles or a majestic bath bomb (my favorite is Intergalactic from Lush) because nothing makes me sleepy like a clean body. After you moisturize your skin, choose your favorite, softest pair of pajamas and you’re halfway there. Just because we’re going to sleep doesn’t mean we can’t look good doing it.

3. Sensory Luxe

What’s a clean vessel without the clean sheets to match. Coming home to a comfortable bed is such a pleasant sight for sore eyes and to feel the softness of these luxurious Luxome Bed Sheets are the gift that keeps on giving. The soft touch against your skin will send you into sensory overload in the best possible way. Speaking of sensory, since we’ve tackled touch let’s get into smell and sound. Pleasant smells and sounds through aromatherapy and sound bowls are additional ways to relax at night. Lavender oil is hands down the most popular and effective essential oils used to relax the nervous system and improve sleep quality. Try using it with a diffuser or sprinkle lightly on your pillow. Sound bowl therapy at night is literally music to our ears. Our favorite is this Deep Sleep sound bath from Healing Vibrations on YouTube! I’ve literally fallen asleep within 5 whole minutes of listening to this, it’s amazing.

4. Thermostat Check

Before you get too comfortable in bed, get your thermostat just right. We’re in the middle of Summer so set the temperature accordingly because it’s never cute when you’re sweating at night. A suggested temperature setting of 60° - 67° F is recommended but adjust to your liking because that’s your business.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few extra goodies that are sure to take your sleep to the next level. This should go without saying but maintaining a clean and tidy room is a must. When we declutter our brains and homes, we declutter our lives. Additionally, keeping a plant near your bed can help purify the air and serve as a decorative piece for your bedroom aesthetic. The snake and aloe plants come highly recommended and are low maintenance. Lastly, thanks to technological advancements there are ways to monitor our sleep quality through smart devices like Smartwatches and Oura Rings. These technologies help us to see how long and deep our sleep is while also measuring the quality of sleep that we are getting through every night. Or just measure how you feel when you wake up in the morning as a gauge of quality rest!  

When it’s all said and done, your bedroom should be your personal oasis! We want you to feel happy and relaxed when you enter your bedroom and sleep awaits. With all the recommendations mentioned, take what works for you and develop your own personal sleep routine. But no matter what, it’s essential that you do Rest, Sis!

Comment below and let us know what activities or items you’ll be adding your sleep routine, we can’t wait to hear from you. So, grab that eye mask and catch some Zzz’s, you deserve it. Wishing you sweet dreams and a sound sleep from RVL Wellness!