There is no better feeling than winding down to sleep after a long day of school or work, finally letting yourself have a moment’s peace after a full, busy day. In order to keep daily life running smoothly, a good night’s sleep is not only necessary but foundational; sleep gives energy to the mind and the body. Everyone benefits from being well-rested, no matter how old, how busy or how healthy. Building a proper nighttime routine is key to getting the most out of the evenings.
Primarily, finding the right bedtime is critical to the success of a nightly routine. Doctors typically recommend between seven and nine hours of sleep per night – eight being the sweet spot. The human body has an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm; sleep and wakeup should feel as natural as possible internally. To ensure that all eight hours are spent asleep, it’s best to wind down for 45 minutes to an hour before hitting the pillow. Wind down time should be spent without screens like phones or laptops; it’s the perfect time to read a book, journal, stretch or watch a movie.
The Hatch alarm clock is a great tool for managing bedtime (as well as wakeup time) with its soft lighting and gentle, customizable soundscapes that can both signal wind down time as well as lull its users to sleep. Soft rains and gentle ocean breezes drift slowly from the elegant alarm clock, making the transition from awake to asleep as natural and luxurious as possible.
For a lot of people, an essential part of the nighttime routine is to romanticize the process. This can be with matching pajama sets, luxury candles and hand creams, a nightly skincare routine and hormonal regulators like melatonin or magnesium. Supplements like the OLLY magnesium gummies or the famous “sleepy girl mocktail” (a concoction made with magnesium powder, tart cherry juice and sparkling water) help to physically relax the body and kickstart the sleep cycle. Those who have trouble falling asleep right away can look to supplements to make bedtime something to enjoy instead of stress about.
After a good routine is established and several nights are spent having quality sleep for seven or more hours, waking up in the morning and going about daily errands becomes easier and more enjoyable. Good sleep is essential for functioning properly, keeping life running smoothly and getting the most out of the daytime.