Is there really anything worse than not being able to fall asleep? My husband is one of those people who can fall asleep pretty much as soon as his head hits the pillow. Not me. I have too much swirling around in my head most days—too many to-do lists to check off. I need to find things to settle my mind before I even try to go to sleep. So, I wanted to share my bedtime routine, and some of my favorite bedtime products.

Step 1: Nighttime shower. I think that there is something very therapeutic about showering at night, and I usually do it with the lights off and a candle lit. Try Casaluna Clarity Candle ($25) from Target.

Step 2: Next up, Equilibria Daily Drops ($58). I have spoken about this brand on Instagram and have a post about it, but I really cannot say enough great things. You put one dropper of the oil under your tongue for 1 minute before swallowing, and within 30 minutes, you feel more relaxed and calm. I also use it if I feel like I have some anxiety coming on, or to calm my nerves before a presentation.

Step 3: I live in Minnesota, which is crazy dry in the winter, so I absolutely need to use something on my lips. My husband and I went to Ireland 1.5 years ago, and visited Burren Perfumery (one day I will write a whole post about our travels. It was my favorite). There, I purchased this lip balm. It also was my favorite, and I recently ran out. I was thrilled to find out that I can buy it online. So go check out their website (it will probably make you want to visit).

Another good option is the Laneige Sleep Mask from Sephora ($22).

Step 4: Next up, my new Equilibria oil roller. I only recently started using this on the inside of my wrists and behind the ears, and honestly, I think it really helps! I don’t know how to explain it, so you will just need to try it for yourself. It’s currently sold out on its own, but you can get the rollers and the Daily Drops in the Peace of Mind Gift Set ($79).

Step 5: Add a few Saje Wellness Lavender Oil drops ($20) in my diffuser, and turn it on.

Step 6: So, these next couple of steps not only help me mentally, but really help with the physical aches and pains from working out, sitting all day, and generally just getting old. First, you need an acupressure mat. Here is a good option from Amazon ($39.97), but there are plenty of other ones.

Never heard of an acupressure mat? I hadn’t either before Jon bought me one a few years ago, and they are really amazing. It’s basically a foam mat with golf shoe like plastic spikes on top, and you lay on it. Sound painful? It only is for a few minutes then your body adjusts, relaxes, and you feel a warm sensation. Eventually you might even fall asleep. The mats are supposed to work similarly to acupuncture by applying pressure to various points on your body. There are lots of benefits to this including reducing anxiety, pain (especially back), more restful sleep, and even migraine relief. Check out this article for more information.

The goal is to lay on it for 20-30 minutes, but I suggest starting small and moving your way up. I recommend laying on it, and adding step 7.

Step 7: Turn on a meditation segment from my Calm app. I got a free year subscription with my American Express Skymiles credit card, and I will definitely continue paying for it.

Step 8: My mom recently told me about this—laying on your back and putting your feet up in the air resting on the wall. Right away I was like “that is weird,” but I tried it (while laying on my acupressure mat at the same time…maybe don’t try this). It could be coincidence, but I feel like it has helped with some pains that I have been having. My husband tried it and couldn’t do it for very long because your feet definitely fall asleep, but I think even doing it for 5 or 10 minutes has benefits. I found out that this is actually a form of yoga, and there are plenty of benefits worth giving it a try, including increased circulation, improved digestion, relaxation, pain reduction, etc.

Step 9: After I do all of that, I find a fiction or non-fiction story from my Calm app (generally one about Ireland and Scotland or the one where Harry Styles talks about dreams <3), and I drift off to sleep relatively easily.

When I re-read all of that, it sounds like it is about a 2 hour affair, but it’s usually only about 30 minutes. Do I do this every single night? No. Sometimes I just want to hop in bed and watch some TV (currently The Crown or Virgin River). But, I always do steps 1-5 and step 9, and if I do all of the steps, I do find that I sleep really well…that is until it’s disrupted by my 4 year-old wanting to come in bed with us. That will be a post for another time. Sweet dreams!

Alana xo