The Sleep Prescription: Why A Night Routine Is So Important
Today I’m writing about discovering why having a night time routine is so important. I’ve been so drawn to journaling and sharing about this on Aurras because it is something I’ve had trouble and struggle with for years. I’ve always aced my morning routine but night time routine?? Quite opposite in fact, how ironic since I’m a sound therapist.
I started to explore that side of my daily life and wondered why my sleep wasn’t as great as it could be. I’ve noticed a couple of things played a role:
What I’ve consumed throughout the day through:
Screen consumption - especially what you consume before bed.
Nutrition - Caffeine and sugar intake
Energetic interactions surrounding me
*Stress levels*
It is usually only when I get into bed do I then realize my jaw has been locked and tightened for hours.. and somehow it’s become normal?? Huh? Normal - I don’t think so.
As someone with PCOS sleep has definitely been a struggle due to my insulin levels skyrocketing and then crashing making my brain switch on immediately throughout the night while my body is exhausted. One day my attention was caught by a book about night routines - that is when I never thought of a night routine becoming such a ritual, I usually did my skincare routine and went to bed but this book has taught me it’s more than that.
A night routine is so important because just like your morning routine it sets you up for a night of great deep DELTA infused sleep. Which is what we all need to get through 8-9 hours without waking up cranky.
I began to experiment after the book and here’s what I’ve learned:
No screens in bed (duh) - We’re all guilty of it but blue light significantly effects our brainwave and automatically puts our brain into the Alpha state (high alert, focus) which is not something we want when getting ready to snooze for a dozen hours.
Magnesium is your bestie - whether it’s in cream or oral form magnesium contains nutrients that allow your muscles to naturally de-stress. The tension you hold in your body, or in my case my jaw, will be released with magnesium. A great relaxer
CBD - Similar to magnesium, CBD is a natural component that allows the body to relax and momentarily de-stress and release any thoughts that may trigger a proper good nights sleep. It derives from the Marijuana leaf but does not contain any THC, making it legal and great for the body. CBD comes in different forms such as oil to be consumed orally, creams to be used topically and joints to be smoked.
Lavender - This has made my night routine a little more magical. I started drinking lavender by seeping it into my teas or creating a sweet little latte. Lavender is a natural relaxer even using it as aroma therapy will help calm any high tensity feelings.
Gua Sha to Skin Care Routine - I’ve always loved adding Gua Sha into my skincare routine. A traditional Chinese medicine technique used to reduce systemic inflammation, improve circulation, and/or increase range of motion using a smooth edge tool - usually made out of a beautiful crystal.
I also began incorporating the Gua Sha hair comb to my night time routine to circulate some blood flow on my scalp and to release any tension on the head.
And finally - listening to Aurras. Listening to sound frequencies before or during sleep allows your body to dive into the Theta state which allows your body and mind full relaxation. My favourite one to listen to before bed is Root 415 Hz.
Play It Here
Book: The Sleep Prescription: Seven Days to Unlocking Your Best Rest
