Getting To BedToday’s post is going live slightly later in the morning as usual, which I’m still counting as a win seeing as how so many of last week’s posts didn’t make it up at all. Oh well, the beat goes on.

Between wrapping up my final weeks of classes (ahh), job hunting and interviewing, my to write list has gotten quite lengthy. Since I’ve been significantly cutting down my coffee intake, I’ve been trying to end my scattered and typically flustered days with some a decent sleep schedule.

On the days when I hit the perfect sleep routine and wake up to a solid morning routine, even the worst of non-stop email-filled days can’t hold me back. I’m naturally a morning person (my internal clock usually has me up and ready by 7am). But if you’re trying to rise a bit earlier without wanting to die, I recommend taking sleep time seriously.

For me, the key to getting a really good night’s sleep is all about planning ahead for the grand event. I spend the day setting myself up to be able to get back to bed and recharge. That’s lead me to make a few night time routine changes.

Decide Your Bedtime in the A.M.

Seriously. I try to decide by 11a.m. what time I’d like to go to bed. By this point in the morning I’ve usually been able to feel out my energy levels and break down my to-do list, so I know what to expect task wise. If you plan to check out by a certain time that night, you know to plan your day accordingly. Working into the middle of the night happens much less for me, if ever, during the week. My laptop is typically down by 8ish, and I’m out by 11:30.

Kick TV Out of Bed

I nixed Netflix in bed with the exceptions of the weekend. When I bring TV into bed, it’s hard for me to shut off –literally. It keeps my mind way too active. Reading has been a much more successful way to transition myself into sleep. With the right read, I’m usually ready to hit the lights within 30 minutes.

Have Bigger Meals Earlier

And have a smaller snack later, so you feel satisfied. I’m a huge fan of apples and peanut butter before bed and highly recommend it. But honestly, this isn’t new. I try to have dinner ready no later than 7 and I’m usually done eating before 8. Top that off with plenty of water to help your body process and digest and you’ll fall asleep so much more comfortably.

Get Comfy

I got an oversized crewneck from Old Navy around Christmas time and I’ve been living in it. I’m super weird, so I sleep best with a fan on while under the covers and wearing something warm. So I keep the crewneck on while the fan blows. I also use the RainRain App every night for a bit of calming background noise (much less distracting than Netflix). My favorite sounds are city rain & rain on a window. Bliss, instant sleep.

What’s your sleep routine like?

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22 Comments

  1. Two years ago I made the decision to stop putting TVs in my bedroom. The first year it worked out pretty well, and helped me sleep better, but this past year I’ve noticed that I’ve slowly started to watch more Netflix in bed and have been going to sleep later and later. I really gotta cut out the Netflix, no bueno.

    Z · JPOTTER

  2. As a perpetual night owl I struggle so hard with getting up early. I’ve tried so many things but I keep going back to my old, bad habits. I think one of my worst habits is browsing on my phone in bed. I should really stop doing that.

    1. You have to start small. Maybe first try leaving the phone/tech gadgets out of bed and read instead so that your body can adjust to falling asleep that way.

      1. I am trying to get rid of the habit.. Failed last night and hence I was late to work- another reason added to why I should stop doing that!

  3. Good advices! According to me it’s important eat well, have dinner not so late and do a big breakfast! I go to bed at 10 pm but I wake up very early (at 6 am). Breakfast it’s the best part of the day!

    Giulia | http://www.leggitea.it

  4. Oh, this is great advice. Especially for someone like me who is a college student and CONSTANTLY surrounded by noise. I try my hardest to go to sleep earlier, but I find when finals week rolls around I’m usually in bed by 12 am *shudders*

    Does the RainRain App play all night?

    1. Oh, finals week definitely doesn’t count! Trust me, I know –you kind of just have to do what you can there!

      The RainRain App can play all night, but I use the timer so it goes off once I’m asleep.