The Ultimate Wellness Sleep Routine
Your step-by-step guide to winding-down with intention.
(And I have included all the Amazon Affiliate Direct Links to make it easy for you!)
Sometimes the day just takes it out of you - physically, mentally, emotionally. This is the ritual I reach for when I need to reset my nervous system and feel ready for sleep, not just collapse into it.
Think of this as a bedtime hug for your body and mind.
Step 1: Make Yourself Comfortable
Start by setting the tone for your evening. This is all about shifting your body and brain into rest mode.
Run a warm magnesium bath - Magnesium helps relax your body and calm your nervous system. Bonus points if you dim the lights or light a candle. I love Naturopathica Sweet Birch and Magnesium Bath Flakes because it leaves my skin feeling soft, not stripped or dry like others I've tried.
Apply a rich body butter like OSEA’s Body Butter after your bath - It locks in moisture and feels super luxe without being greasy. OSEA products are one of my favorites right now - safe for hormones, natural ingredients and feel so good.
Brew a soothing herbal tea - think camomile, lavender, or lemon balm. Sip slowly while you move through the rest of your routine. I love Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile & Lavender Stress Relief tea as it enhances calming effects, supports healthy digestion, and soothes nerves. And tastes good too!
Put on pajamas that actually make you feel good - I love my cherry print pajamas. I wish I could wear them every night as they are cute, comfy, and just make me smile at the end of the day.
Clip your hair back - Use a soft claw clip and spa headband that are gentle on your hair and help you stay in spa mode while your finish your routine. I love Kitsch products for this. Click on these links for cute cherry and bow design. Stylish and practical. These keep your hair out of your face to get ready for the next step.
Step 2: Skincare + Face Massage
Now that you’re warm, cozy, and calm, it’s time for a little skin TLC.
Cleanse your face if you haven’t already - Nothing fancy, just a gentle cleanser to take the day off. I love HERBIVORE Pink Cloud Creamy Jelly Cleanser as not only is it so pretty in your bathroom but it contains rosewater, squalane and tremelia mushroom to really hydrate. It is hormone safe, vegan, plant-based and cruelty-free. Alternatively i like Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water for a quick cleanse for sensitive skin.
Apply a face oil - I love squalane oil. Some of my favorites are The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane and Biossance 100% Squalane Oil. Both are hydrating, won’t clog pores and can also be used to hydrate your hair. Place a few drops on your hand and pat all over face, neck, and chest. I apply an oil before Gua Sha and Face Yoga to ensure a smooth comfortable glide over your face without dragging the skin. Facial massage reallly helps the product to penetrate into your skin for maximum benefits.
Face Yoga or Gua Sha Routine - This helps release tension in the face, smooth any lines, drain puffiness and boost circulation. We also calm the mind ready for sleep with a soothing routine and acupressure. A couple of Gua Sha tools I like to use are the Kitsch Stainless Steel Gua Sha Facial Tool especially if you keep it in the fridge so it is nice and cool and really helps to depuff the face. And also the AlpenGlow Electric Gua Sha Device which is rose quartz and provides heat and vibration which is so relaxing before bedtime. Heavenly! Don’t over think it - just slow gentle strokes along your jawline, down the side of your neck, under the cheekbone and across the forehead. For a full routine, visit my ‘Shop’.
Step 3 - Create a Sleepy Space
The last part of the wind-down routine is all about sensory cues that signal to your body that it’s time for deep rest.
Spritz a sleep spray. I love Pacifica Dream Milk Magnesium Spray which helps with sleep & relaxation. It is Infused with lavender, chamomile & essential Oils, is vegan & cruelty-free. Spray all over your body and then relax!
Keep hydrated - I keep a fresh bottle of water beside my bed at night to keep hydrated! i love the Owala bottles as they are easy sip, do not leak, and look great.
Turn on a diffuser - use essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or frankincense. I love the ceramic vitruvi diffuser for both looks and function. A diffuser will keep your skin hydrated whilst you sleep. The essential oils will help you drift into a calm, peaceful sleep.
Grab your journal - Just jot down a few thoughts, or use something guided like The Five Minute Journal to clear your head before sleep.
Slip into bed with your satin or silk pillowcase - this will protect your hair from breakage and also help you wake up with a crease-free face! My favorites are from Kitsch - and in keeping with the cherry theme I love this one in the link below. Take a few deep breaths and sweet dreams.
Final Thoughts
This routine isn’t about perfection - it’s about permission. Permission to slow down, to be cared for (by yourself), and to end your day with intention rather than exhaustion.
Start with one or two steps if you are short of time. Or give yourself the full ritual when you really need it.
Want to Shop Everything I use?
You can find all the products mentioned here (and a few extras I love!) on my Amazon Wellness Favorites page
