If you’re forever chasing that elusive eight hours of sleep every night, you’ve come to the right place. In a bid to get more shut-eye in 2018, we’ve been investigating a range of tips and tricks that promise you a peaceful nights’ rest.
Today, we asked our INF / Network members to spill the hacks they swear by to wind down after a huge day. Balancing websites, social accounts, killer wardrobes, brand collaborations, and life admin is no easy feat, so you know all of the relax tricks to follow are busy-person approved.
SARA CRAMPTON
“I’ve always been a great sleeper, but there are times when my mind takes over, and it feels impossible to clear my head and get some much-needed rest.
To give my body the best chance, I make sure I’m in bed by 10 p.m. each night, 10:30 p.m. at the very latest. I need seven to eight hours a night, so going to bed relatively early means I can then jump out of bed at 6 a.m. to take my dogs on a walk or to the park without struggling.
In the last few years, I’ve changed to sleeping in Cultiver Linen Sheets ($395) and haven’t turned back, apart from using silk pillowcases here and there, which I also don’t mind. Apparently, they’re meant to give you less pillow face—the verdict is still out. Also making sure what you sleep in, if you sleep in anything at all, is comfortable is important. Nothing worse than stiff cotton pyjamas. Silk slip dresses ($180) from Ginia The Label are my favourite.
I sleep next to my phone, but make sure it’s facing down so if anything comes through, the light doesn’t wake me up, and it’s a rule that I never check my phone during the night. It can always wait.
If I’m really stressed out, I use Bosisto’s Lavender Spray ($13) on my pillow and around my bed. It really helps.”
“When it comes to a restful nights’ sleep, I love the Headspace app for a quick round of meditation before bedtime. It helps when I’m at my busiest, and can’t make it to a yoga class after work.
I love the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray ($37)—the lavender scent is so calming and helps me drift to sleep if I’m feeling restless. Sometimes I make The Beauty Chef Sleep Inner Beauty Powder ($50) up before bed too. I mix it with hot water, almond milk, and a little bit of honey. I’ll read or listen to a podcast while I sip on it before going to sleep.”
ALLY MAY CAREY
“When it comes to sleep preparation, before I go to bed there are a number of things I like to do as I have trouble sleeping at times.
I find no screen time in my bedroom really helps. This includes no phone or social media before bed. Also, I love a cup of chamomile tea or The Beauty Chef Sleep Inner Beauty Powder ($50). The latter is incredible. I think it’s the lemon balm that settles any anxiety and helps me to have a restful nights’ sleep.
I love to light a candle if I’m reading in bed. I find certain smells remind me of things. When I light the same candle, I associate it with sleeping and being relaxed. I also always drink water before bed. I feel better rested, and always look fresher when I wake. I think it really replenishes my body.”
CHLOE HILL
“Changing time zones monthly has meant I’ve perfected my bedtime ritual (I’m a mess if I don’t get my eight hours sleep). I adhere to a few common sense principles—I don’t use my phone in bed, I do however indulge in Netflix some evenings, but I’m always sure to dim the screen and turn the volume down so I’m not overly stimulated right before bed. I avoid caffeine in the afternoon, even green tea (which is secretly packed with caffeine).
If it’s been a highly stressful day, I take a bath with Epsom salts or lavender oil and attempt to clear my thoughts. In addition to this, I also keep earplugs and an eye mask by my bed just in case I need to block out any pesky sound and light.
Lastly, if I’m ever struggling to get into a sleep routine I set an early, reoccurring wake-up time. It may mean I’m tired throughout the day, but it resets my body and means I’m ready to fall asleep earlier. To me, sleep is more important than exercise or eating clean. If I’m well rested making healthy choices is a million times easier.”
Source: Algar, E. (2019). These Australian Influencers Told Us Their Fail-Safe Sleep Hacks. Retrieved from https://www.byrdie.com.au/how-to-fall-asleep-faster-1
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