How to Have the Best Sleep of Your Life

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If there’s one thing that can change your life from the inside out, it’s sleep. And I’m not just talking about clocking eight hours because someone on Instagram told you to. I mean truly restful, nourishing, deep sleep—the kind that leaves you feeling refreshed, grounded, and ready to take on the world (or, at the very least, your morning routine!).

I didn’t always get it right. In fact, sleep was one of the last pillars of wellness I gave my full attention to. But once I did? Everything shifted. My energy. My mood. My hormones. Even my cravings. It was like all the pieces of my health puzzle finally clicked into place. So today, I want to share my step-by-step nighttime routine—the exact one that has helped me, my family, and so many of my clients experience the best sleep of their lives.

Why Sleep Really Matters

Let’s just call it out: Sleep is everything. It’s not just about rest. Sleep is when your body regenerates, balances your hormones, reduces stress, calms those 9 pm sugar cravings, and yes—supports weight loss (hello, metabolism reset!). If you’ve been feeling sluggish, moody, or stuck in a cycle of exhaustion, take a peek at your sleep habits. It might just be the missing piece.

And before I dive in, if you’re in a season of life where sleep feels impossible (hello, new mamas and midnight-waker-uppers), I see you. I was you. Give yourself grace, okay? Take what you can from this guide and leave the rest for when it fits. You are already doing enough.

My Personal Nighttime Routine for Restful, Restorative Sleep

1. Start Your Sleep in the Morning

Your best sleep starts as soon as you wake up. Get outside within 30 minutes of waking and let your eyes soak up that natural morning light—no sunnies! This helps regulate your circadian rhythm and sets the stage for melatonin production later that evening. It’s simple, free, and wildly effective.

2. Evening Grounding Rituals

After dinner, we love to step outside—barefoot if we can—and ground ourselves. Whether it’s a slow walk at dusk or toes in the grass, it helps calm our nervous systems and clear mental clutter before winding down for the night.

3. Magnesium

Magnesium oil on the soles of my feet and belly, a supplement, or an Epsom salt bath… it’s my go-to. It helps switch my body into "rest and digest" mode, relaxing both my mind and muscles. If you’re not on the magnesium train yet, it’s time!

4. Lights Down, Glasses On

Once the sun sets, the blue-blocking glasses go on and the house lights switch to amber or red. We even have salt lamps for that cozy glow. This one step alone can boost melatonin production by up to 50%! (And yes, the kids’ lights get the same treatment—no battles over glasses here, just a peaceful environment.)

5. Candlelit Dinners 

We’ve made candlelit dinners a regular thing. Not only does it reduce blue light exposure, but it makes mealtime feel special. Watching the flicker of a candle can literally lower cortisol levels and ease you into relaxation.

6. The 3-2-1 Rule

This is non-negotiable in our house:

• 3 hours before bed: No food
• 2 hours before bed: No drinks
• 1 hour before bed: No screens

Instead, I’ll read with my red light clip-on lamp or spend time connecting with my partner.

7. Herbal Tea + Connection Time

We wind down with a warm cup of organic herbal tea, no devices in sight. It’s the coziest ritual, and sometimes Pippa joins us for this too! No overstimulation, just presence.

8. Work Backwards from Wake-Up Time

I know I need 7–8 hours to feel amazing (sometimes more during my cycle). So, I work backwards. If I’m up at 5 am, I’m in bed, lights out by 8:30 or 9 pm. Flexible? Yes. But intentional always.

9. No Phones or TVs in the Bedroom

No phones. No TV. No work. Just sleep and connection. Our bedroom is a sanctuary and keeping it that way makes a huge difference in our sleep quality.

10. Shower & Skincare in Red Light

All our nighttime bathroom routines are done under red lights. No harsh lights shocking us awake—just a gentle glow to keep our bodies in wind-down mode.

11. Nighttime Journaling

If my brain is buzzing with to-dos, I journal them out. I even write:
"I choose to park this thought and have a good night’s sleep. I can pick it back up tomorrow if I need to."
And 9 times out of 10? By morning, I don’t need to.

12. Middle-of-the-Night Wake-Ups? Red Light Only!

If I need to get up in the night, I use my red light reading lamp. No overhead lights. This helps me stay sleepy and get back to bed easily.

13. Track Your Sleep

I’m currently eyeing an Oura Ring because I love the idea of tracking what’s happening while I sleep. But even without fancy tools, paying attention to how you feel in the morning can help you make small tweaks that add up to better rest.

You Deserve Deep, Restorative Sleep

My nighttime routine didn’t happen overnight (pun totally intended). It’s the result of years of trial, error, and learning to listen to my body. And the best part? You don’t need to be perfect to feel the benefits. Just start with one or two things that resonate with you and build from there.

PS. Have you been feeling stuck in a cycle of dieting and low self-esteem? I get it—I've been there too. That’s why I created the Naturally Well program, a 3-month transformative journey for women just like you. We’re diving deep into mindset, nutrition, and lasting weight loss to help you rebuild self-worth and achieve sustainable health. Ready to break free and live a life full of vitality? Book your free Strategy Call to map out a game plan.