Lately, I’ve been reading as much as I can about how to implement a night routine. While it’s tempting, especially for us newer moms, to just fall into bed at night, having a dedicated routine can clear our head, improve sleep, and yes, lead to a better morning.
I remember when I actually started brushing my teeth and washing my face again after having a baby. I know what you’re thinking – that’s disgusting. But that newborn stage is no joke. We were living in an episode of The Walking Dead Over here and quite frankly, looked like it too.
It’s so nice to be at a place where I can implement a night routine again and I think it makes me a better wife and mom too. But you don’t have to be a wife or a mom to benefit from one. It’s great for those with busy careers too!
After trial and error here is my exact night routine I follow for great sleep and a better morning. Feel free to tweak it to better fit your lifestyle and needs. Make sure to check out my ultimate guide to morning routines too!
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My Exact Night Routine
1.) I take care of my skin.
I know what you’re thinking: snoozefest. But how many times have you fell asleep only to take up and realize you still had makeup on your face, which was now on your pillow.
Taking good care of your skin the night before can improve your skin over the longterm, and help you look more refreshed in the morning.
I recommend thoroughly removing makeup, gently exfoliating (I LOVE silicone pads that I just use with my regular face wash, and good night cream.
2.) I put on REAL pajamas.
If you don’t have a matching set of pajamas, it’s time to get one. Now, I’m usually not one to tell people they need to go spend more money. But there is something about real pajamas that just help you feel more relaxed.
Yoga pants do not count! Yoga pants are telling your body to get up and move (or just that you never changed out of them from the day.) But PJ’s? Pajamas are telling your body, “Hello friend. I am putting you in these so that you sleep better.”
3.) I take something to help me sleep better.
There are so many sleep products on the market and while it’s good to not rely on them, many are natural and promote a good night’s sleep. Some of my favorites are melatonin gummies (so easy!), Sleeptime Tea, or this homemade lavender lotion which I swear helps me have better dreams. Try making it!
4.) I take a probiotic.
I can’t prove this is true, but I swear when I take a probiotic before bed it helps me sleep better. There are a lot of great ones on the market but hands down my favorite is Garden of Life Raw Probiotics for women.
They also help with digestion, clear my skin, and boost my immunity. I call them my magic pills.
5.) I set out A bottle of water on my nightstand.
As soon as we wake up in the morning we are already slightly dehydrated. Get your morning started right but downing as much water as you can as soon as you wake up. I promise you, you will feel amazing. And there’s no easier way to do this than by setting it next to your bed and getting it done first thing in the morning.
6.) I do a Gratitude Exercise.
Lately, I’ve been thanking God for five things I was thankful for that day. Five as easy to come up with and it just gets your mind in a more positive place before going to sleep. The mind really is a powerful thing.
7.) Lastly, I do a quick devotion or meditate on a Bible verse.
I keep the book “Morning and Evening Devotions ” on my nightstand which is filled with short daily morning and night devotions. Reading one for bed gets my mind in the right place – focused on God and not my own problems. I love that they are tailored toward night devotions.
Other times, I repeat a verse to myself a few times before going to bed. A few of my favorites include:
Proverbs 3:24, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you lie down your sleep will be sweet.”
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
1 Philippians 4:6-7,” Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
And lastly, one of my personal favorites that I used to pray when I was a little kid and scared of the dark:
Psalm 91:5, “Do not be afraid of the terror by night, by the arrow that flies by day.”
Sweet dreams!
Having a nighttime routine is a great help to sleeping better. I’ve been working on implementing one over the last few months and I notice a big difference when I don’t do it.
Love that!
I love that there’s not a To Do list or prep for business the next day. That is the worst thing possible for a restful night’s sleep. haha
haha no. I didn’t like doing those at night either!
I am a believer in putting on pajamas at night. Now, my daughter is a t-shirt and shorts kind of gal.. 🙂 I also love to wash my face and add my night cream. I am always looking for ways to have a better night sleep.
Love this! I’m going to try incorporating Gratitude Exercise and time with God before bed. Thanks 🙂
same!
I totally love these ideas! I get lazy to get into my PJs but you’re right, it gets you in the right mindset. And a gratitude journal- Yes! I’m trying to keep the prayer and gratitude journal together do l can also thank God for answered prayers.
Love your ideas! I really need to work on ways to get a better nights sleep!
These are such great ideas! Reading a good book at the end of a long day helps me fall asleep faster!
I love these, especially the Gratitude one!!! But I also think having real Pjs is huge. I never sleep in pjs’ 🙂
What a great list to do before bed! I have to admit that the skin care has always been my weakness but I don’t wear to much makeup anymore these days but I know it would still be a good one to add….i love my pj’s, I’d live in them if I could
Same same. ha!
Now that I’m older I’ve really started habitually doing similar things: taking probiotics, putting water on my night stand, and taking care of my skin!
ooh three of my favorites!
I love this. It’s seriously amazing how night (life?)-changing a good pair of pajamas can make.
I would LOVE a good pair of actual PJs. I’ve been falling into a routine of just falling asleep in my tshirt and shorts… Not good.
I hear ya. It happens!
Love this routine! I always wash my face and put on PJs before getting in bed. It helps me decompress a little and I guess signal to my mind that it’s time to relax.
yesssss
I’ve been wanting to implement a night routine, however I’m yet to develop one fully, I’m currently on maternity leave for 6 months, with my third child, and I’m not returning back to Uni until September and my work until November the days, weeks months are flying, before I know it it will be back to having a full on crazy life, so I’ve been thinking that now is a good time to be working on a routine. Thank you so much for your ideas Sarah.
Very welcome. Good luck!
I just started to do number 6 and it’s a game changer! Love that you express gratitude too.
Yay I love that!