It might be hitting the mid-20s or it might be post-covid or it might be something else entirely, but I am a retired early-bird. Where I once used to jump out of bed with a spring in my step, I now crawl out from under the duvet, inching towards the day.
With this change has come the need for a great night routine, so I’m not completely useless before mid-morning.
And it has genuinely made a difference. I’m slightly better in the morning, my sleep quality has improved massively and I’m not filled with dread as soon as my alarm goes off.
So let me share my secrets…
Quick note: none of these tips are new revelations, they’ve just been revolutionary to me.
Showering before bed
I used to be the sort of person who couldn’t bear the thought of showering at night and not showering in the morning, but I’ve seen the error of my ways. Not only does it buy me a little more time in bed, I’m actually finding it a bit of a treat each night.
I’ll put on some music, play a podcast or listen to an audiobook. Afterwards, I put on my dressing gown and take time to do my full skincare routine (including my body, which I never have time for in the morning). If it’s a hair wash day, it’s no problem - I can wash it and leave it to dry without stressing about being late for work.
It feels like a real indulgence in myself where I can take as much time as I want, rather than being in a stressed rush in the morning.
Prep for the morning the night before
Meal preppers everywhere will be rolling their eyes - I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you sooner.
I’m not quite at the “cook all my food on a Sunday” stage but sorting my food for the office the night before saves so much faff in the morning. I just grab it from the fridge and go.
That goes for my work bag too. It’s ready to go by the door before I go to bed so I don’t have to forgot anything as I pack it hurriedly.
Slow down
This also feels like a bit of an indulgence, even when I do it every night.
In the hour before I go to sleep, I begin to wind down and will try to cut out tech as well. I find I sleep so much better when I’ve not been starting at a screen. I’ll read a book instead of doom scrolling (currently The Dictionary of Lost Words) which feeds my love of reading too.
My favourite time of night is when I bundle up under my blanket on the sofa, with a book in one hand and a mug of Whittards Dreamtime tea in the other (if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll love this). Total cosy bliss.
Once I’ve finished my tea, I’ll brush my teeth and get into bed, where I’ve lit a candle already to add to the cosiness. I usually keep reading in bed but with this routine I find myself falling asleep as I’m turning the pages, so I’ll pop an episode of The Office on - it goes against my anti-screen time but I can’t sleep without it - and sleep like a baby.
A game changer
It should go without saying, but I do this at the same time every night. I usually get in the shower at around 8:30 and I’ll begin my tech-free wind-down at 9-ish. My aim is to get to sleep by 10/10:30, and this stability in my sleep pattern has also made a big difference to both my sleep quality and my ability to function in the morning.
This nighttime routine really has changed the game. I look forward to getting ready for bed and indulging in some self-care at the end of each day, I’m sleeping better and I’m definitely finding mornings easier too.
What does your nighttime routine look like?