My Top Tips for the Best Sleep

Good sleep is essential for overall well-being, and after much trial and error, I’ve curated a sleep routine that truly works wonders. I think at this point, you could consider me high maintenance! Haha! Whether you're struggling to fall asleep or just want to enhance your current sleep quality, these tips might be exactly what you need. We just completely revamped our bedroom. Hello king size bed!!! So I have some new items to share and some that I’ve been using for awhile that are tried and true!

Here’s a peek into my top tips for sleep:

1. Create a Dark and Cool Environment

Room Darkening Shades: A dark room is crucial for uninterrupted sleep. We use blackout shades to block out any unwanted light, creating a cave-like atmosphere that promotes deeper rest. I love our shades because they make the room dark at night, but are almost completely invisible when you put them up in the daytime. I like a clean/simple look!

Cool Room: Keeping the bedroom cool is another key factor. The optimal temperature for sleep is between 60-67°F (15-19°C). I’m hardcore though and in the winter we have ours set to 58. We don’t have central air, so our bedrooms have window units. This makes it very easy to keep the room cool in the summer. I also have a low-profile ceiling fan that we use year-round.

2. Use an Eye Mask

Even with room-darkening shades, some light can still seep in. That’s where an eye mask comes in handy. It ensures complete darkness, helping your brain signal it’s time to sleep. My brain instantly knows that when that goes on, it’s time to sleep. I have tried many sleep masks but my favorite is an adjustable and affordable one from Amazon.

3. Diffuse Essential Oils

A diffuser with essential oils like lavender or cedarwood creates a calming environment. These scents have been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. I usually start this up when we go up to read and run it through the night. To learn more about essential oils and how to get started diffusing, read this post.

4. Take a Magnesium Supplement + Apply Magnesium Spray

Magnesium is known for its calming effects and ability to aid in sleep. I take a magnesium supplement before bed to help relax my muscles and mind. I swear by magnesium glycinate and take two of them every night. There are many types, so do your research before deciding on the right one for you.

In addition to the supplements, I use a magnesium spray on my legs and feet. It’s a quick and easy way to boost your magnesium levels and soothe any muscle tension. I make my own with this recipe or you can buy one here.

5. Block out the noise

I swear by the music on the Breethe App for a great sleep! I only listen for the first hour of my sleep. I want to be able to hear my kids if they call for me in the night. This is the perfect amount to help me fall asleep and stay asleep. You can also download sleep noises or run a fan. If you’re a light sleeper, some background noise is a great way to drown it out!

6. Use a Sleep Oil

I apply a sleep oil to my pulse points before bed. This blend of essential oils helps to create a calming ritual, signaling to my body that it’s time to wind down. I love this blend and bonus, it’s pre-blended for sleep so if you’re not an oil mixologist, this one is for you.

7. Invest in the right pillow and pillowcase

I’m a back sleeper and once in a while roll to my side. I love this pillow because it’s chopped-up memory foam. You can remove some if it’s too firm or big! We have lots of pillows that we don’t use and finding the ‘right’ one is key! I also love a silk pillowcase! It’s so cooling and soft. I also take my pillow when I travel!

8. Choose Comfortable Sheets

Soft, breathable sheets are a must for a good night’s sleep. My favorite sheets are made of high-quality cotton that feels luxurious and helps keep me cool. These from Target are so good! They are affordable and come in so many colors and patterns. They also wash wonderfully which is a must! I don’t have time to iron sheets! haha!

9. Update Your Bedding

We recently updated our bedroom with a new rug, king-size bed, and mattress, and it’s made a world of difference. Investing in a high-quality mattress that suits your sleeping style is crucial for comfort and support. Not that everyone needs this or has this on their agenda, but we were in desperate need of a new mattress!

10. Use Two Separate Comforters

Using two separate comforters can be a game-changer, especially if you share a bed. It allows each person to have their own level of warmth without disturbing the other, ensuring both partners sleep soundly. You can see how we do that here! (lots of controversial thoughts and opinions on this post too! haha!)

My Shopping Lists for Sleep Essentials: Click to Shop!

Amazon Sleep List and Bedroom Favs || Essential Oils and Diffusers

Achieving the best sleep requires a combination of the right environment, products, and routines. By darkening your room, keeping it cool, using calming scents, and investing in quality bedding, you can significantly improve your sleep quality. I hope these tips and my curated list of sleep essentials help you find your way to a restful night’s sleep.

Any good tips you have that I missed? Share in the comments!

XO,

Sarah