Creating a bedtime routine that actually works for you takes time, intention, and a little trial and error. Over the past year, I’ve fine-tuned my own nightly rhythm to help me wind down gently, rest deeply, and wake up feeling like myself again.
Here’s what my current bedtime routine looks like—and why it works for me.
⏳ 1 Hour Before Bed: Begin the Wind-Down
I start winding down about an hour before I want to be asleep. The goal? To signal to my body and brain that it’s time to shift from “go” mode to “rest” mode.
🥣 I Have a Bedtime Snack
I eat a small, balanced snack that includes a protein and a simple carb—like Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey, cottage cheese and fruit, or a boiled egg and a piece of toast.
💡 Why it matters:
A snack like this helps regulate blood sugar and provides tryptophan and serotonin support—two key players in falling (and staying) asleep. It also helps prevent the 3 a.m. “why am I awake and starving?” struggle.
🚫 No Liquids After 6 p.m.
I stop drinking anything after 6 p.m. to avoid nighttime bathroom trips. It’s a small shift with big impact—hello, uninterrupted sleep. ✨
🧊 I Prep My Sleep Environment
- 🌡 Lower the thermostat for a cool, cozy sleeping space
- 💧 Fill my bedside humidifier to keep the air comfortable
- 🌀 Turn on my fan for temperature control and white noise (essential!)
🚿 I Take a Hot Shower (Scented, of Course)
A hot shower helps my muscles relax and my mind slow down. I use lavender- or vanilla-scented body wash, which triggers calm and signals to my brain: it’s time for sleep. 🧼💜
Want to know how scent impacts your mood and sleep quality?
Read my blog on scents + softness here →
✨ Post-Shower: Moisturize + Soothe
After my shower, I apply scented body oil or lotion that I only use at bedtime. The consistency of this ritual helps my body associate these scents with sleep.
💆🏽♀️ Skincare + Sleepwear = Soft Life Energy
Next up: skincare.
This is where I slow down, cleanse, moisturize, and treat my skin with care and intention.
Then I put on soft, breathable pajamas—nothing too tight or tangle-prone—and yes, I wear socks to bed. 🧦 It’s all about that warm, cozy, grounded feeling.
🛏 A Cozy Bed = A Good Night
- 🌀 Fan for airflow and white noise
- 🚰 Bedside carafe in case I get thirsty in the night
- 🛏 Comfy pillows, sheets, and blankets that make my bed feel like a soft, safe retreat
💊 Take Meds + Ease into Sleep
I take all of my nighttime medications, then I settle in with one of two things:
📓 A notebook to do a quick brain dump—especially helpful if I have a lot on my mind
📖 A book or my Kindle to gently wind down (blue light doesn’t disrupt my sleep, but know your body)
🎯 My Sleep Goal + Bonus Freebie
I aim for 6.5 hours of sleep—my sweet spot for feeling refreshed.
Finding what works took trial and error. Now that I’ve got a routine I love, I want to help you build yours too.
📥 Download my Free Soft Life Sleep Tracker to explore your ideal bedtime →
The Elegant Upheaval 
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