Wellness

How to Create a Nighttime Routine That Promises Better Sleep

sleepy woman resting on bed in morning

A good night’s sleep doesn’t just happen, it’s built, nurtured, and protected by routine. In today’s fast-paced world, where screens glow long after sunset and stress tends to linger, establishing a mindful evening ritual can be the secret to unlocking deeper, more restorative sleep. From calming scents to digital detoxes, here’s how to curate an evening routine that gently guides your body and mind into rest mode.

1. Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule

One of the most impactful changes you can make is sticking to a consistent bedtime — even on weekends. Our circadian rhythms thrive on regularity. When you go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, your body learns to anticipate rest, making it easier to fall asleep and wake feeling refreshed.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Space

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary. Dim the lights an hour before bed to signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Use warm, ambient lighting or install dimmers where possible. Keep the room cool (around 18–20°C) and quiet, and remove any clutter that may disrupt the calming atmosphere.

Tip: Try layering textures like soft linen sheets, a cosy throw, and blackout curtains for added comfort and sleep support.

asleep woman wearing eye mask
Photo by Polina ⠀

3. Embrace a Screen-Free Wind Down

Blue light emitted from phones, laptops, and TVs interferes with melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep. Aim to switch off all devices at least 30–60 minutes before bed. Instead, opt for a few analog alternatives like:

  • Reading a physical book
  • Listening to soothing music or a calming podcast
  • Journaling your thoughts to release mental clutter

4. Use Scent to Soothe Your Senses

Aromatherapy has long been linked to better sleep, and certain scents — especially lavender — have proven calming effects. Incorporating fragrance into your nighttime ritual can create an instant shift in mood.

Light a lavender-scented candle as part of your wind-down. We love Carrière Frères Lavender candle, known for its botanical purity and heritage French craftsmanship, this candle infuses your space with the soft, floral notes of lavender — a scent shown to reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and gently lull the body into a more restful state. As the flame flickers, it signals the mind to slow down, breathe deeply, and surrender to stillness.

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5. Indulge in a Relaxing Ritual

Choose a few grounding activities to mark the transition from day to night:

  • A warm bath with Epsom salts to relax muscles
  • A cup of chamomile or valerian root tea
  • A simple nighttime skincare routine — even a few minutes spent cleansing and hydrating the skin can feel like an act of self-care

The key is consistency. Repeating these steps nightly helps anchor your body into a rhythm it will begin to crave and respond to.

woman in bathtub with water

6. Practice Mindfulness or Breathwork

Just 5 to 10 minutes of mindfulness or breathwork can dramatically improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try box breathing (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4) or a guided body scan meditation.

Apps like Calm, Headspace, and Insight Timer offer bedtime meditations specifically designed to ease the transition into sleep.

Creating a nighttime routine isn’t about rigidity — it’s about building rituals that soothe, comfort, and support your wellbeing. With the right ambience, consistency, and sensory cues you can transform your evenings from chaotic to calm and give your body the deep rest it deserves. Because better nights lead to brighter days.

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