A BWB Bedtime Story Guide to Better Sleep
If you have been having trouble sleeping, it’s time to tuck yourself into BWB’s ultimate guide to better sleep with some of our bedside favorites.
As a child, my bedtime was a strict 8 PM. As lame as I thought it was at the time, my mother was certainly onto something. My current circadian rhythms — or sometimes, lack thereof — often don’t even come close to this golden hour. The nighttime certainly becomes a sacred time for the self as we grow older, and sleep all the more precious.
Even so, sleep is an often neglected foundation of wellness. REM cycles are for much more than dreams — besides, smooth complexions and quiet minds are what dreams are made of. In order to see the positive changes of your diet or your skincare regimen, a deep slumber is the missing catalyst.
The best way to ensure a good night’s sleep is a consistent nighttime routine. Circadian rhythms are very sensitive, which means that they are easily disturbed. In other words, changing your bedtime repeatedly alerts the body that it is in danger. As a result, you will not sleep as deeply because you are unconsciously in fight or flight mode. If you have been having trouble sleeping, it’s time to tuck yourself into BWB’s ultimate guide to better sleep.
Your Bedside Table
I like to think of the bedside table as a frontline of defense against night troubles. Your bedside table is your connecting flight to a relaxing and fulfilling night of sleep. So, what’s on yours?
First, I like to make a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea. In reality, chamomile tea has very mild effects and may even be a sleep-inducing placebo. But, a warm drink always helps to settle my stomach and get me cozy. Keep your tea warm with the Kopi Mug & Warmer Set, which also happens to double as a phone charger.
Although, you may want to reconsider setting up your charger away from your nightstand. Blue light from your devices suppresses melatonin, so you should try to avoid your screens for at least an hour before you plan to sleep. In addition, you should put a blue light protector on your phone and consider a pair of blue light eyeglasses on your nightstand. No prescription, just protection!
With your phone in a new location, it’s time to reinvest in a gentle wake-up alarm clock that greets you with a sunrise. And no bedside table is complete without some casual reads. Might I suggest Ageless Beauty the French Way or my current bedside staple, The Wisdom of Anxiety.
Your Bedtime Set-Up
Perhaps it goes without saying that your bed is la crème de la crème of the sleeping experience. If the nightstand is the front line of defense, your bed is home base. And if you want to sleep comfortably for longer without tossing and turning, you’ll need to equip your bed with a few irresistible amenities.
First, it’s time to finally upgrade to silk sheets and pillowcases. Silk sheets are perfect for body temperature regulation and they also are the best material for healthy skin and hair. Say goodbye to tangled knots and pimples!
Next, you’ll need a weighted blanket. If you struggle with anxiety or tend to have a restless body, a weighted blanket is a form of deep pressure therapy. After trying one recently, I don’t think I will ever sleep the same again.
If neck pain is keeping you awake, you can soothe your stiffness with a good pillow fit for the challenge. The Tempurpedic Neck Pillow is a reliable classic, and this affordable bamboo pillow is a surprisingly strong contender that keeps you cool and adapts to all kinds of sleeping positions.
Your Secret Slumber Weapons
Sometimes, your normal routine just doesn’t cut it. It’s 10 PM. You’ve had your tea, you’ve read your chapter, you’ve journaled your thoughts for the day, but that rush of melatonin is taking its sweet time. On nights when you need some extra help, you’ll need some reinforcements.
Give your pillow a quick spritz of Deep Sleep Pillow Spray to jumpstart your relaxation with some olfactory stimulants. Nothing settles the mind like lavender, vetiver, and the ever-famous chamomile. Alternatively, a candle might be what you need to jumpstart your sleep muscle memory with scents of slumbers past.
Shut out all your distractions with a silk sleep mask that also helps to dodge wrinkles. While you’re at it, seal in your skincare routine with an overnight face mask. My favorites are the Peach & Lily Overnight Star Mask and the Sisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask.
If you need an extra boost, try to get some sleep with Som Sleep. Melatonin helps jumpstart the process, while Magnesium & Vitamin B6 make sure that your slumber continues running smoothly. In fact, you’ll be yawning in just 30 minutes. Like any supplement, it is important to consult your doctor and consume with caution.
Teresa Deely is a graduate from Columbia University with majors in English and Creative Writing. She is a freelance writer and marketing assistant working for clients in the wellness, jewelry, creative, and sports industries. She believes that one’s skin is yet another canvas and vehicle for art, and has loved styling her hair and applying makeup from a young age. Spending much of her time in educating youth and leading enrichment programs for children, she is highly motivated in discovering new ways to care for herself and sharing them with others.
I like to think of the bedside table as a frontline of defense against night troubles. Your bedside table is your connecting flight to a relaxing and fulfilling night of sleep. So, what’s on yours?
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