How To Create A Relaxing Bedtime Routine

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I have been the worst at going to bed on time, let alone having a relaxing bedtime routine. But now that I’m working on adding Hygge into my life, I see the importance of having an adult bedtime routine, so to speak. 🤣

So if you’re on the go right up until it’s time to hit the hay or are a night-time social media scroller, these tips will help you develop a wind-down routine that will make you feel much more relaxed.

But first, let’s chat about why you should create an adult bedtime routine.

Why You Should Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Being on the go all day long can really tax you out. We all need adequate sleep to function properly and stay healthy. In fact, according to the Sleep Foundation, the average adult requires 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Lack of quality sleep can lead to a slew of health ailments that include: type 2 diabetes, poor mental health, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more!

So, getting in those z’s is important! That being said, let’s dive into some ideas to help you develop a wind-down routine you will love.

10 Things To Do For a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Are you ready to start taking better care of yourself and sleep better? Start winding down before bed so you can relax and get sufficient rest with these top tips!

Try a bedtime yoga routine

Yoga is a great thing to add to your relaxing bedtime routine. Yoga improves sleep quality, combats insomnia, and promotes relaxation.

The goal is to find poses that promote relaxation and do a slow and steady routine if possible. Check out the Yoga Journal’s “15 Yoga Poses For Sleep” post for ideas.

2. Take a relaxing bath

Ahh, a nice relaxing bath is a fabulous addition to your adult bedtime routine. But did you know that baths can improve your health AND may help you fall asleep faster! Baths can help reduce pain and inflammation (cue the Epsom salts) and reduce stress.

According to this article by Healthline, a study by the department of biomedical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin found that people fell asleep more quickly when bathing about 90-minutes before bed.

So, break out some candles, grab a cold glass of water, and take a long dip before bed.

3. Add a touch of aromatherapy with essential oils

It’s incredible that essential oils can help you sleep better. Lavender is known for its ability to assist in reducing anxiety and promote relaxation.

Clary Sage can help those that deal with depression by assisting them to get a more restful slumber.

So be sure to add a bit of aromatherapy with essential oils to your wind-down routine. Check out these other essential oils that can also be beneficial for your relaxing bedtime routine.

Also, check out these cute diffusers for your oils to create an ambiance in your bedroom!

4. Treat yourself to a massage

After your relaxing bath, give yourself a massage as you put on lotion to hydrate your skin.

Massage can help ease muscle tension, reduce stress, and help digestive disorders. Try out these self-massage techniques featured on Healthline.

5. Wind down with the 4-7-8 breathing technique

There’s a reason you are always told to take a deep breath when you are stressed or angry. Deep breathing reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Well, it also improves sleep!

One of the best breathing techniques to add to your relaxing bedtime routine is the 4-7-8 method.

Basically, you breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold it for 7 seconds, and breathe out of your mouth through pursed lips for 8 seconds.

Learn more about it and other breathing techniques in this article by Healthline.

6. Write in a journal

If you’re like me, you have a million thoughts swirling through your head before bed. Get them out (well, some of them at least) by writing in a journal.

Adding a brain dump, so to speak, in your journal is a must-do during your adult bedtime routine.

I want to try the “Four Square Brain Dump” featured in this article by PsychCentral. This brain dump consists of writing down your thoughts, your To-Do list, things you are grateful for, and the top 3 priorities on your To-Do list.

This can really help you unload your mind before bed.

Check out the adorable notebooks/journals in the Simplicity & Sunshine Shop!

7. Wear comfy pajamas

So there may be worse things than uncomfy p.j.’s, but it’s one of the worst things in my book. Wrestling your clothes while trying to get to sleep is pretty annoying. Invest in nice comfy pajamas so you can drift off to dreamland without fuss.

8. Turn off electronics

I am horrible about scrolling on my phone or watching tv before bed. I even try to fall asleep with the tv on. So my goal is to start turning off the electronics 30 minutes before my bedtime.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends to stop using electronics at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep. Make turning off electronics part of your relaxing bedtime routine and see how much faster you fall asleep.

9. Listen to slow music or nature sounds to fall asleep

Since you are trying to turn off the electronics before bed, you may need a little help still to relax.

If so, then make listening to soothing music or nature sounds part of your wind-down routine to help you fall asleep.

The Sleep Foundation found in a study of women who listened to music before bed reduced the time it took to fall asleep from 27-69 minutes to 6-13 minutes!

Of course, you want to choose music or sounds that relax you and don’t give you strong emotional responses. So keep that in mind when you pick the tunes you are trying to snooze to.

10. Have a regular bedtime

The main thing to ensure that’s included in your relaxing bedtime routine is to have a set bedtime. Going to bed at the same time every night can help you regulate your sleep. Plus, it ensures that you get enough sleep as well.

Otherwise, it can get easy to start watching a show, and before you know it, midnight has arrived, and that cuts into your sleep time.

Not everyone will have the same bedtime due to their schedules, but you can choose a time that will allow you to get the recommended 7-9 hours of quality sleep you need.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine for Better Sleep and Health!

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Having a relaxing bedtime routine is essential to better sleep. And getting better sleep improves your overall health and wellbeing.

So make it a goal to create an adult bedtime routine that you find enjoyable that helps you unwind after a long day…because you deserve to rest and recharge!