BLOG 311: I SLEEP 8+ HOURS A NIGHT AND HERE'S MY EXACT ROUTINE

Over the years, I have come to understand that sleep is the most important thing I can do for my health and wellbeing. Sleeping well makes a huge difference to my mental health, emotional health, and physical health. And if I don’t sleep well, I really notice how much it affects me the next day.

Of course, in the early days, when my children were young, I couldn’t guarantee 3 hours of sleep, let alone 8 or more! But now that my children are 8 and 12, I can prioritise sleep to help me function much better the next day. 

I have also realised over the years that it takes a delicate balance of hacks, wellbeing tips, and routines and rituals to guarantee a good night’s sleep. Prioritising sleep filters into everything I do every day, and it’s absolutely worth it. To be honest, when I wrote this blog I was surprised how much I do yet I don’t even notice I do these things now as they are such ingrained habits that they have just become part of my daily living.

So today, I wanted to share exactly what I do and why I do it, as well as some helpful tips and products that help me maintain a consistent and restorative sleep routine. Plus it was World Sleep Day last week so this is the perfect blog to share with you today!

My Evening Routine for Better Sleep 

No screens after 8pm

I stop using my phone at 8pm to avoid the stimulating effects of blue light, which can interfere with melatonin production. I also love using the Anti Blue Light Screen Protector on my phone all day to protect my eyes (and skin) from blue light disrupting my sleep. I also love blue light blocking glasses. I get my glasses and phone protector from Ocushield and you can use code FACEYOGA15 for 15% off those. 

No TV after 9pm

I love taking 45 minutes to an hour in the evening to watch TV with my husband and I often do my Face Yoga and use my Current Body LED mask then too (habit stacking!). The LED mask is so good by the way for reducing lines and wrinkles and really makes a difference to my skin tone and texture. Use code FACEYOGA for a discount on the mask from Current Body .

Watching TV too late however, can be overstimulating, especially if I’m watching something intense or dramatic! I aim to switch off the TV by 9pm to allow my brain to wind down naturally. This helps me transition into a more relaxed state before bed.

Face Yoga (15–30 mins at 8pm)

Face Yoga is a wonderful way to relax my facial muscles, release tension, and calm my nervous system. I focus on slow, mindful movements that help me shift into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, making it easier to fall asleep. If you want to add Face Yoga to your routine in a quick easy way, my 7 Day Natural Face Lift With Face Yoga is a great way to motivate yourself into a daily practice and is only £21.

Warm bath (7:45pm)

Right after bathing my children, I take a warm bath myself. Warm water helps lower my core body temperature, which signals to my body that it’s time for sleep. I often add Epsom salts for their magnesium content, which aids relaxation. I also find having a bath a form of emotional and spiritual cleanse. Cleansing away the day and clearing off any energies I don't want to take into the evening and night with me.

Skincare routine

My skincare routine is more than just a beauty ritual—it’s a form of self-care that signals to my body that the day is coming to an end. Taking time to massage my face in the evening helps me feel pampered and relaxed plus has lifting and detoxing benefits for my skin. I always use Fusion by Danielle Collins Pro Lift Moisturising Serum as it's non greasy, deeply hydrating, organic, natural and vegan. 

No work in the evening

I’ve made a rule to avoid working in the evenings past 8pm. Even answering emails or thinking about business tasks can keep my mind too active. Instead, I focus on unwinding so I can fully switch off before bed.

No intense exercise

I avoid high-intensity workouts or any cardio exercise in the evening, as they can spike my cortisol levels and make it harder to fall asleep. Instead, I do gentle leg stretches or a short yoga session to release any built-up tension.

Magnesium & collagen powder (20 mins before bed)

I take magnesium to support relaxation and improve sleep quality, as it helps regulate neurotransmitters involved in sleep. The collagen powder also benefits my skin and joints, making it an easy addition to my night time routine. My favourite is Rejuvenated Collagen Shots which you can use code DC for 10% off at checkout.

Sleep Environment & Aids

Lavender essential oil or pillow spray

Lavender has natural calming properties, so I either diffuse essential oil in my bedroom or use a pillow spray to create a relaxing sleep environment. Sometimes I just drop a couple of lavender oil either side of my pillow to help me feel calmer and sleepier.

Mouth taping

This may sound unusual, but taping my mouth at night helps me breathe through my nose, which can improve oxygen levels and sleep quality. I only started doing this a few months ago as to be honest, I was a little scared of it! But I had no need to worry, it is transformational for my both my sleep and energy levels the next day. I am still experimenting to find a brand I love but I just have been trying a few on Amazon for now so watch this space for my brand recommendation.

Apple watch sleep tracking

I use my Apple Watch to track my sleep patterns and gain insights into how well I’m sleeping. This helps me make adjustments if needed.

Sleep mask

A high-quality sleep mask ensures complete darkness, which is crucial for deep sleep. Even small amounts of light can disrupt melatonin production. I like the one from Sleep and Glow and you can use code FACEYOGA10 for 10% off (also grab the pillow bra while you are there for no chest wrinkles upon waking!) 

Sleep & Glow Omnia beauty pillow with silk pillowcase

This special pillow helps with spinal alignment and reduces facial compression, preventing morning wrinkles. The Sleep and Glow Omina pillow has been a game changer as I now wake up with no creases on my skin at all! A silk pillowcase is also gentle on my skin and hair. Use code FACEYOGA10 for 10% off the pillow and pillow case. 

Blackout blinds

Ensuring my room is as dark as possible helps me stay asleep longer without disruptions from streetlights or early morning sunlight. I just use pop up ones that slot into my windows. I got into the habit of using these when my girls were babies, especially in the Summer months. Plus I like pop up ones as they are portable for travelling with too as they fold away really easily.

Earplugs (sometimes!)

If I’m in a potentially noisy environment, like a hotel etc, I use earplugs to block out sound. To prevent earwax buildup, I don't use them daily anymore but I do I manage ear wax build by using 100% olive oil drops a few times a week (top tip!).

White noise machine

A white noise machine helps mask sudden noises that might otherwise wake me up, creating a more consistent and peaceful soundscape for sleep. My husband can sometimes snore (especially in hayfever season!) so this machine just muffles noise yet still means I can hear my daughters if they call for me.

Weighted blanket

A weighted blanket provides deep pressure stimulation, which has been shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. It helps me feel secure and relaxed as I fall asleep. It literally feels as though I am in a deep cocooned hug all night and I don't think I would ever go back to a regular duvet now. I use one from Sleep and Glow, use code FACEYOGA10 for 10% off.

Anti-blue light lamp

Instead of bright artificial lights, I use a warm, anti-blue light lamp in the evenings. This supports melatonin production and signals to my body that it’s time to wind down. I love the Ocushield lamp and have it by my bedside as I wind down for bed as studies show that artificial light bulbs can affect sleep quality and circadian rhythms. Use code FACEYOGA15 for 15% off.

Lifestyle Habits for Better Sleep

Daily walk

Getting outside for a daily walk—especially in the morning—helps regulate my circadian rhythm by exposing me to natural light. This makes it easier to fall asleep at night. I also like to use up all my energy in the day and in the right way |(not through stressful activities but through gentle exercise) and a long walk in the fresh air is probably my number one sleep tip of all!

Reducing stress

Managing stress throughout the day is key to good sleep. I use mindfulness techniques, deep breathing, and Face Yoga to keep my nervous system balanced.

No caffeine or alcohol

I avoid caffeine and alcohol completely (apart from small amount of caffeine in my daily hot chocolate!), as both can negatively affect sleep quality. Caffeine can linger in the system for hours, and alcohol, while sedating at first, disrupts deep sleep.

Consistent children’s bedtime routine

Having a structured bedtime routine for my children ensures that they’re settled by 8pm, giving me time to focus on winding down. This consistency also helps them develop good sleep habits.

Journaling business ideas before bed

If I have thoughts racing through my mind, I jot them down in a journal. This helps clear my head so I’m not overthinking while trying to fall asleep.

Chamomile or Pukka Night Time Tea (8:30pm)

I love having a calming herbal tea in the evening. Chamomile tea or the Pukka Night Time tea both contain ingredients that help relax the body and prepare for sleep.

Last meal/snack by 6:30pm

Eating too late can interfere with digestion and make it harder to fall asleep comfortably. I try to finish my last meal by 6:30pm to give my body enough time to process it before bed.

This structured approach ensures I get high-quality sleep every night while balancing work, family, and self-care. By prioritising these habits, I feel more energised, focused, and ready to take on each day. If you’re struggling with sleep, I highly recommend experimenting with some of these strategies to see what works best for you! I know it's a long list but even picking one or two can help. Happy sleeping!