Septembers ‘Be Happy Box’ features a collection of goodies designed to make you feel good inside and out, helping you to be your best self.

It all starts with a good night’s sleep!

 Get September's box here

If like us, you look forward to that moment your head hits the pillow after a long day, a whole bedtime routine is probably the last thing on your mind! But, bear with us, because there’s tons of research boasting the benefits of following a routine before bed. Our sleep system loves predictability and consistency, our brain then begins to associate the actions with going to sleep, helping you unwind from the stresses of the day and allowing your body to decompress.

Sure, you’ll probably fall to sleep without a routine…eventually, but who knows how long that could take. Why leave it to chance? Wouldn’t you rather help guarantee a full 8 hours of beauty sleep, waking up with brighter eyes, clearer skin and a positive attitude for the day ahead?

Try to follow these tips every night for the rest of the month and see if it helps you fall asleep faster and wake up fresher.

Tip One

Give yourself time to decompress.

As busy women, we’re often so encompassed with being the perfect mother, daughter, employee and partner that we forget to look after number one. You should take at least one hour per day to spend to yourself, doing something you truly enjoy. You owe yourself this time to invest in YOURSELF and YOUR wellbeing!

Do something you truly enjoy and find relaxing. It could be spending some time with your partner or family. Or, simply taking a “me” break, reading, watching TV or having a little skincare pamper. The Monuskin Warming Aromatic Mask is beautifully relaxing and a perfect skin treat after a long day.

Tip Two

Have a warm bath two to three hours before bedtime.

One of the best ways to encourage a lower body temperature and help you fall into deep sleep, is to increase your core temperature a few hours prior. The body responds by directing the blood flow to the surface of your skin, helping you stay cool during the night. 

Whilst in the tub, be sure to wash away the day’s makeup, which if you’ve been using the STYLondon Banana Powder, should still be perfectly in place! Try the Murad Environmental Shield, Essential-C Cleanser to gently clean your face and help brighten skin. The steam from the bath opens your pores for a deeper cleanse.

Tip Three

Stay away from (small) screens one hour before bed.

You’ve likely heard this before, but they make it much harder to drift off. Not only are you more likely to see something that might play on your mind, but the blue screen backlight also inhibits the production of melatonin in the brain, the hormone which makes us feel sleepy.

Whatever it is, it can wait ‘till the morning!

Tip Four

Have a light snack half an hour before bed.

We’ve all been there, you’ve just got into bed and you feel your tummy grumble. Whether it be due to a new diet, or too tired to eat, going to bed hungry can make it harder to fall asleep and is likely to wake you up during the night as your body can't fully relax. Something low in fat, high in protein is the best choice! Finish it off with a mug off Chill Out caffeine-free herbal tea, the ones from Offblak are really tasty. A cup of herbal tea before bed is both relaxing and hydrating, helping you to feel fresher in the morning.

Tip Five

Head to bed no more than 20 mins before you’re ready to sleep.

The more time you spend in bed awake, the more your brain will associate bed with activities other than sleep. Other than the obvious, ‘other activities’, that happen in the bedroom, keeping everything else in daytime rooms (i.e. the living room) will help you feel sleepier when you finally get into bed. Spritz your bedding and pillow with the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray for a natural, aromatherapeutic blend of Lavender, Vetivert and Camomile that calms both the mind and body. 89% fell asleep faster and 98% felt more refreshed in the morning. A better night’s sleep, leads to better mornings and a happier mood long-term!

What’s your bedtime routine, do you have any good tips?

Let us know in the comments!

Love Roccabox x 

Ig: @roccaboxuk