You’ve heard it said time and time again. Routines throughout your day are there to keep you moving while also keeping you productive and motived. We’ve all heard of the morning routine, but what about the routine you have for yourself as you are trying to lay down for a good nights sleep? I’ve compiled a step by step guide to help you follow the night routine I have for myself- It’s comfy, cozy, romantic, and above all else… it helps prime my mind and body for much needed recharging.
For more ways to have yourself a romantic little winter check out 7 Helpful Ways To Have A Romantic Winter!
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What’s so romantic about sleep?
As a society, we like to value early risers over late sleepers and we call people who like to go to bed at 9 PM “old”. How much does sleep actually affect our day to day lives? From the research I’ve done- the list seems to go on forever.
I’ve narrowed it down to these important factors:
- Physical Recovery
- Brain Function
- Mood
- Hormone Balance
- Cardiovascular Health
- Metabolism
- Immune Health
- Physical Performance
- Cellular Repair
- Mental Health
With these components in mind- it’s pretty clear that getting plenty of sleeping hours is a major key to your overall health. I like to think having a routine to help ensure you are ready to to turn your switch “off” is a useful tool.
Does A Bedtime Routine Actually Help Anything?
YES! Let’s see how. Having a solid bedtime routine can contribute to better sleep quality and overall well-being. Here are five benefits of establishing and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine:
- Improved Sleep Quality: A bedtime routine signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Consistency helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. This leads to improved sleep quality and a more restorative rest.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Engaging in calming activities before bedtime, such as reading, gentle stretching, or meditation, can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. By establishing a routine that promotes relaxation, you create a mental and physical transition from the busyness of the day to a more peaceful state conducive to sleep.
- Enhanced Mental Preparedness A bedtime routine can include activities that mentally prepare you for sleep, such as jotting down thoughts in a journal, practicing gratitude, or planning for the next day. This can help clear your mind and prevent racing thoughts that might interfere with falling asleep.
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: A bedtime routine encourages a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Consistency reinforces your circadian rhythm, making it easier for your body to anticipate and respond to sleep cues.
- Improved Productivity and Mood: Quality sleep resulting from a solid bedtime routine contributes to better daytime functioning. Adequate rest enhances cognitive function, memory, and mood. By prioritizing a consistent bedtime routine, you set the stage for more productive and positive experiences during your waking hours.
Establishing a bedtime routine tailored to your preferences and needs can be a powerful tool in promoting both the quantity and quality of your sleep. Experiment with different activities to find what works best for you, and be patient as your body adjusts to the new routine.
Table of Contents
My Romantic Routine
The main thing I need when I’m getting ready for bed is calmness with a healthy dose of romantic rose colored glasses. Why see the Winter as harsh when I can switch it up and see it as a comforting reason to light some candles and be gentle with myself and my time. These are all the things I’ve been incorporating into my night time routine:
Candle Lit Shower
When it’s a cold winter night the last thing I want to do is keep that big light on in the bathroom. Let’s make one thing clear: I am ANTI big light. I am certain they are not good for your health. (half joking) All I do to solve this issue at night, especially when it comes to my nightly shower, is make sure I have an array of candles to light before I start the shower. It makes the setting a more serene one, where the steam is constant and the stress melts away.
Romantic Shower Candles and Holders
I like to have a candle lit on my bathroom sink and one in the show far away from the water. With the lights completely off and only relying on the candle light- you can’t get cozier than that, You’ll never go back to to that terrible big light again.
Flameless Waterproof LED Candles With Remote
Vanilla Scented Ivory Colored Taper Candles
Vanilla Scented Pink Colored Taper Candles
Vintage Scrooge Candle Stick Holder
Sleepy Tea
A good bed time tea is essential. It will help ease your mind and calm your nervous system if you have the right ingredients. I’ve used all different kinds but I always try to make sure whichever one I use includes chamomile, lavender, and valerian root. Tea is so romantic to me, something you have to take your time with, something gentle.
Cozy Tea Stuff
Magnesium Lotion
This is a new addition to my routine but honestly, I have been loving it! I got mine through Amazon, but there are a ton of different places to get it along with different methods to take the Magnesium.
The One I Use
Nighttime Magnesium Cream Lavender
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological functions within the body, including sleep regulation. Here are several ways in which magnesium can be beneficial for promoting better sleep:
Muscle Relaxation: Magnesium is known for its muscle relaxant properties. It helps regulate muscle contractions and promotes a state of relaxation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience muscle tension or restlessness, contributing to a more relaxed body before bedtime.
GABA Enhancement: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that has calming effects on the brain. Magnesium is thought to enhance the activity of GABA receptors, leading to a reduction in neuronal excitability. This calming effect can help promote relaxation and facilitate the transition to sleep.
Regulation of Melatonin Production: Magnesium plays a role in the regulation of melatonin, a hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle. Adequate magnesium levels may contribute to the natural production of melatonin, helping to synchronize the body’s internal clock and improve the quality of sleep.
Stress Reduction: Magnesium has been linked to the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a key role in the body’s stress response. By modulating the stress response, magnesium may help reduce cortisol levels, promoting a more relaxed state conducive to sleep.
Nervous System Function: Magnesium is involved in the regulation of the nervous system. It acts as a natural calcium blocker, preventing excessive neuronal excitation. This regulation can contribute to a sense of calmness and aid in the prevention of overstimulation that may interfere with sleep.
Improved Sleep Duration and Quality: Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may lead to improvements in both sleep duration and sleep quality. While individual responses may vary, magnesium’s influence on relaxation, neurotransmitter activity, and hormonal regulation collectively contribute to a more conducive environment for sleep.
It’s important to note that individual magnesium needs vary, and the effectiveness of magnesium for improving sleep may depend on factors such as diet, lifestyle, and overall health. If considering magnesium supplementation, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine appropriate dosage and address any potential interactions with medications or existing health conditions. Additionally, incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, can be a natural way to support your magnesium intake.
Pillow Sleepy Spray
Scents can be so therapeutic and romantic. This is something I try to do before I take my shower- I am sensitive to fragrance so I am careful to limit the amount I spray. It says to spray on your pillow so I usually spay under it so the smell isn’t too strong. It smells amazing- I’m just sensitive! I’ve noticed it has definitely helped me feel relaxed before bed.
Pillow Sprays
Garden of Life Organics Sleep Spray
Kindle
I have to admit it- I’m addicted to my Kindle. Recently I’ve been rereading the second Crescent City book, House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas in preparation for House of Flame and Shadow coming out later this month. Reading before bed has really helped me settle down. I’m someone who struggles with racing thoughts before bed and reading has been an effective tool to help shut off those thoughts that feel like they could consume me. That’s romantic to me, being able to keep my thoughts steady, my heart in the right place.
You NEED a Kindle
Healing Sound Frequencies
This is one of those things where you either get it or you don’t. (iykyk) I’m a firm believer that sound frequencies can really be effective tools in helping your brain- whether it is for sleep, mental clarity, or even de-stress. I usually put a video on and then set a sleep timer. The best part is they are dark screened so no bright lights keeping you awake and you can adjust the volume to be as quiet or as loud as you like. Here are ones that I use:
Let Winter Be Winter
Sometimes the worst part of going to sleep is the stress about actually falling asleep. As someone who values her sleep deeply- there have been many nights where I lay awake dreading the next day because I knew I wasn’t going to get a full 8-11 hours. I created this sleep routine in the hopes that my sleep can be a top priority so I can reap the benefits of a healthy dose of recharging.
I also want to soak in the beauty of Winter. To me it doesn’t need to be this harsh, unbearable experience when you can frame it as something more romantic and cozy and really just a time of rest.
Let me know in the comments if you have your own routine or if trying any of my ideas helped you. Until then, happy sleeping!
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