Four Ways To Improve Sleep Hygiene (And Get Better Rest)

I require a ridiculous amount of sleep. Ideally, I get 8-10 hours a night and I usually never struggle with sleeping. And I realize I usually share posts on areas that I’ve struggled with, but I’ve realized it’s a good time to share something I do right! How do I sleep so easily and feel so well-rested? I partnered with AllerEase to share a few tips!

A Consistent Schedule

I typically get ready for bed around 8 p.m. and fall asleep no later than 11 p.m. and wake up around 7 a.m. This routine typically doesn’t change much no matter my plans even if I work out in the morning (7ish) or a noon fitness class–or have dinner and drinks with friends. My work schedule is typically 8:30-5 and I do workout a lot at noon since any later does keep me up at night. I’m always in bed at a certain time and up around the same time each day. I’m all about routine and this works really well for my sleep habits.

Shower at Night!

I started out showering at night because I hated washing my face in the sink and I also hated making time to shower in the morning. And this way, I’m getting into bed clean–and keeping it free of pollutants. I always feel so relaxed and comfortable after my nightly hot shower, ready to curl up in bed and go to sleep.

Wash Bed Linens Weekly

Another part of my life routine is washing and changing my bedding every Sunday. By the weekend, I’m picking off twigs off my comforter that got to bed by way of James’ hair and there’s truly nothing greater than getting into a freshly clean and made bed on a Sunday night before I kick off a new week! And it’s removing pet dander, allergens and all the twigs James drags in, making it better for sleep. This is especially helpful around spring and fall with my intense seasonal allergies.

Invest in a Mattress Protector

After a little research, I’ve realized how important it is to use allergen barrier bedding just to take the extra step in sleep hygiene and ensuring nothing like dust mites, pollen or pet dander is collecting in my mattress. ACK. I think I’ll sleep better at night now that I have the bedding in my room now. I now have the mattress cover, pillow cover and comforter. I love the mattress cover because it’s something that zipped up around my mattress–and I wish I had it sooner. I realized after I took my mattress pad off, there were pee stains from the dogs. So. Gross. This mattress pad is waterproof so it’s protected against any James vomit or pee.

More Tips to Try (that I don’t follow yet!)

I’ve read over and over again it’s important to limit nighttime stimulants like your phone, TV or laptop at night. This is a struggle since I’m using deep in a digital trifecta texting friends, working on blog posts and bingewatching something on Netflix simultaneously. The nights I power down and read a book are ones where it’s easier for me to fall asleep sooner! I’ve also been wanting an air purifier especially during my peak allergy seasons to help remove pollen from the air.

Sponsored by AllerEase

Michigan friends, $5 off the AllerEase Maximum mattress protector using this link or checking your mail between August 5 and August 19!

Photography by Emily Mata