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I feel like once you hit 25-years-old sleep literally becomes impossible. I mean, I can’t remember I time I wasn’t searching the internet at 2 AM for how to get a good night’s sleep. Sure, there are tips here and there on how to improve sleep quality, like not scrolling before bed but who’s *actually* doing that? (hint: not me)
But, being able to sleep through the night has been my Roman Empire for, like, the last 5 years, so I will say that I’ve got some of it down to a science. And listen, I’m certainly no doctor but here are a few tips on how I’ve mastered being able to fall asleep and stay asleep (at least for now).
If your room isn’t below 68 degrees, you’re not doing it right.
No, you don’t need a fancy air conditioner, just open a window in the winter months. Like, even just cracking it makes the room cold enough that you want to jump right into your cozy bed and never get out. I read somewhere once (probably saw it on TikTok) that cooler temps help you sleep and once I tried it I never went back. I also got these cooling sheets because I tend to run hot and they were worth every penny.
Get black-out curtains — just trust me.
I promise that you won’t realize how much light is actually in your room until you get blackout curtains. I was living in NYC for 9 years and didn’t have them until the last 2 and it’s probably my biggest regret. But, even suburbia has street lights and that shit shines right into your eyes without you even knowing. I have these because they are neutral (and, TBH, cheap with great reviews).
I might keep my phone next to me, but I’m not turning on a TV.
IDK what it is about a TV, but if I’m watching in bed I’ll be up for hours. But, I also hate being alone in my own thoughts so I need to be listening to SOMETHING. Unfortunately, I share a bed with someone who also needs to listen to something but those two “somethings” are not the same. Me = meditation, him = fantasy football podcasts (no wonder he falls asleep in 2 seconds). These sleep headphones work miracles but make sure you set a timer or your podcast will be playing all night.
Get cozy.
The oversized, and probably disgusting, t-shirt you’ve been holding onto since high school is just not it anymore. I get it, you might not be a “matching PJs” kind of person, but at least try replacing what you’re currently wearing with something breathable. You’ll thank yourself in the AM.
Call it a placebo effect, but I love a good scent.
Anything that smells like a spa pretty much immediately puts me at ease. I’m partial to a good lavender pillow spray but if a diffuser is more your thing, I’m all for it — it’s called aromatherapy for a reason.
Quit the caffeine (at least after 3 PM)
Relax, I’m not asking you to give up your beloved iced coffee (I would never). Just simply suggesting you start removing the Diet Coke from your evening snack. If you’re craving something bubbly, I started making the viral “sleepy girl mocktail” to sip while binging Housewives. It’s essentially a mix of your fave seltzer, magnesium powder, and tart cherry juice served with ice in a wine glass — talk about romanticizing your life.
Start waking up to something that isn’t your phone.
We all know the jump scare that is the iPhone alarm. Truly I don’t know what it is about their alarm sound that makes me want to crawl out of my own skin in the morning but I swear it makes me more tired. I got the Hatch Restore 2 last year for my birthday (yes, I’m old enough to be asking for those kinds of gifts) and who knew that waking up to the light is actually…nice? Bonus points: it’s also a sound machine if you hate the idea of wearing the headphones I suggested earlier.
