If you are anything like me, you probably have times in your life where life gets stressful and it’s hard to catch some solid Zzzs. It is so easy for me to get out of a good sleeping routine when life gets crazy. I thought I would roundup some of my best sleep tips to hopefully help you get your best sleep!

1. Eliminate phone/screen time at least 1 hour before bed

This is a hard one for me but I can always tell the biggest difference when I am diligent about it. The blue light that your phone and screens emits actually can block the Melatonin hormone from being read in your brain causing you to feel less drowsy and therefore have a harder time going to sleep. If you must look at your phone or watch TV to go to sleep, I highly suggest blue light glasses which can help filter out the blue light.

2. Create an evening routine

I have a very similar routine that I go through every night to help me get ready for bed.

• I stop eating at least one hour before going to bed (this helps my food to fully settle before laying down)
• I try to stop checking emails at least 2 hours before bed (this is a big one for me, I have had to set a clear boundary of when I am going to “turn off work mode” so that I can turn off my brain)
• I try to go to bed at the same time every night (I am typically in bed by 9 am)

3. Make your sleep space ideal

Guys, did you know the average person spends 26 years of their life sleeping? 26. Years. If I am going to spend that much time doing something, I am going to invest into that activity to make sure it is as ideal as possible. Here are some ways I have invested into my sleep space:

• It all starts with the mattress/pillow – now guys, I’m not saying go buy a new mattress (or am I?) but for sure make sure the surface that you are laying your pretty head and body on is comfy. I stopped paying $10 for the cheap Target pillows that we just cycled through every 3-4 months and invested in a good pillow. We also bought a Purple mattress awhile back and cannot talk more highly of it!
• Sleeping temperature is a big thing in my house – I love sleeping in the cold, with the fan on. Maybe sleeping in the cold isn’t your thing but find what makes you feel the coziest.
• I am not a juju essential oil person (I love you even if you are) but I do like calming scents in the bedroom. I will either use an oil diffuser or I will use a pillow spray that just helps take the bedroom to that extra level of sleepy time.

I definitely am a firm believer that sleep is the most important time of the day. Ultimately how well you sleep determines how well you perform. Make sleep a priority and I promise your body and mind will thank you for it!

What are your sleep tips? Do you have a night time routine?

XO, Ashton