Prioritize Better SLEEP & Do So Unapologetically

It is snowing as I type this – just a beautiful wonderland for getting quiet and cozy IN EARLY DECEMBER NOT JUST NOW. Just as I was making progress on spring cleaning to welcome spring! Hahahaha. I can’t complain. This time last year, we were renovating the bedroom and bath (see peeks of that in this) which was a worse source of grief than snow! So I simply need to regain perspective, allow something more than sunny weather to motivate my work at home, and take breaks. Are you taking it easy on yourself? Getting enough sleep? Prioritize Better SLEEP & Do So Unapologetically is a nudge for both of us.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

7 Nudges to Prioritize Better Sleep

The National Sleep Foundation offers these sleep hygiene ideas:

1. Improve Your Sleep Environment

The ideal temperature in the room for sleeping? Apparently it is 60-67 degrees, and there should be no noise or light. (Obviously if you have a condition as I do, the room may need to be a bit warmer to prevent complications.) I’m crazy about waffle blankets, and the highest quality one I own is this one:

How Heavenly Sleep Begins With my Melon

Here’s the scoop on my exact pillows by Honeydew:

Does it truly make a difference? Scrumptious pillows are wholly different than others used in the past. I love the ease of customization in terms of the amount of fill. (I didn’t need to tweak the amount at all since I loved it the way it arrived out of the box!) Since we’re all unique and sleep in different positions traditional rectangular pillows aren’t designed to support our necks and shoulders perfectly.

Not only does my Honeydew provide proper neck alignment and support, this pillow feels entirely unique. I guess that is why it is aptly named Scrumptious.

Pillows Designed to Improve Health

Why should we even care about the fill inside? Honeydew’s Scrumptious fill is the perfect consistency – doughy and soft, yet supportive. The foam component of the fill inside the pillow is 100% CertiPUR-US certified. But my favorite thing about the fill? It is always made entirely without formaldehyde or heavy metals. I am allergic to formaldehyde so this is another reason I can rest easy.

Is the quality exceptional? Yes, indeed. And it’s not just the superior design for support. It’s that amazing copper infused foam.

Why copper? Copper is far more effective at cooling than gel based memory foam. It has naturally antibacterial properties, which helps keep the pillow feeling fresh night after night.

Does the fill break down over time? Our pillows remain like new after three years. I thought all pillows eventually flatten. Nope. The copper is combined with a fiber that is thinner and stronger than silk. Feels luxurious and just keeps delivering.

When you want specific details about your sleep…

Love Your Mattress? I LOVE Our Beautyrest

This mattress is still the one right for us.

Splurgeworthy Sheets on Our Bed: Nollapelli

We love these luxurious, patent-pending, impossibly soft sheets designed by a chemical engineer. They are the buy once, cry once sort of purchase. Made for beauty sleep (minimal friction to skin and hair), they are unlike any others I have bought through the years.

Extra Toasty Sheets

For an entirely different type of sheets – here’s a linen blend set made by Joanna & Chip’s Magnolia line. These will keep you warm, not cool, and they have a completely different feel than Nollapelli.

Budget Friendly Sheets

Are you sick to death of these pics of me in white pajamas? I am! Time for a new photo shoot! Please send your talented people over with your glam squad.

2. Keep it Moving

Exercise every day. It’s okay if it’s just light exercise, but make it a priority. For me these days, it is walking and doing housework.

Here’s a workout you can do indoors in 20 minutes.

I recommended YOGA FOR BETTER BALANCE the other day, and this is a great resource I’m using to ease into yoga again. I think you’ll love it.

3. The Benefit of Consistentency

Stick to a sleep schedule. It is tempting to switch things up on the weekend (stay up late and then sleep in), but this won’t help regulate your body’s clock, which is the goal.

4. Soothing Nightly Rituals

Have a bedtime ritual. It should be a soothing activity which doesn’t cause stress or anxiety. Read a book? Skin care regimen? Warm bath? Meditation or yoga? You’re likely to fall asleep better and to stay asleep.

If you’re seeking an idea for a skin care routine (remember that when you use products at night, they are much more effective as you sleep!), consider Oak Essentials from Jenni Kayne. Right now, they are offering a FREE ritual oil (I love this stuff, and it’s $88) with a qualitying purchase.

No. 4: Lights Out

Manage your circadian rhythms. There should be no bright light when you sleep, and you should get sunlight in the morning (please instruct Midwest weather to provide this for me).

5. Prevent Indigestion & Poor Sleep

Don’t eat dinner too late. Avoid heavy meals, and don’t eat later than 2-3 hours before you turn in for the night. (Goodness, I have been terrible about this tip lately! Just starving at 9:00 and obsessing about g-free blueberry waffles. What do you do when cravings beckon?)

Looking for a great acai bowl recipe packed with antioxidants? I shared mine HERE. I still eat acai bowls all of the time, but the frozen berries are often tricky to find in the store. To improvise, I “rice” frozen cauliflower in the Vitamix with acai powder, strawberries, and blueberries. Yum!

6. If Insomnia Happens

When you can’t sleep, head to another room for a relaxing activity. It may be necessary to avoid using electronic devices since the light from the screens can activate the brain.

Do you know about blue light filtering lenses?

Here’s something to turn on for complete relaxation – it provides some space from the intensity of anxious thoughts and any tense muscles.

BEFORE WE GET TO NO. 7 – A PAUSE FOR A FEW PRETTY THINGS.

Tranquil Bedroom Things

7. Sleep as Good Medicine

Sleep & Prevention of Disease

Our bodies are counting on us to be extra gentle and mindful to prevent and heal from illness. Sleep can actually help us fight infectious diseases. What happens to us as we sleep?

According to Dr. Eric Olson of the Mayo Clinic, “Your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you’re under stress.”

Additionally, “Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus…”

If Essential Oils Help

Need a diffuser for a bedside table or dresser to infuse a gentle stress soothing mist?

If you’re facing stressful days, you need extra sleep, friends. You know that thing about putting on your own oxygen mask first? For some caretaker types, it doesn’t feel natural to do so.

You are precious and created so perfectly for love. Sleep as much as you can without apology…we really need to normalize this in a big way. You’ll have so much more to offer to your people.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

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