6 Easy Nightly Habits That Will Get You Ready For Bed In Minutes
Winding down for the bed is a deceptively active processes. As much as we would love to have a switch that gets us into a truly calm, relaxed, and perfectly sleepy state in seconds, that's not how the body works. Instead, it takes a bit of prep work.
But don't worry. Just integrating a few simple habits can help you transition from the demands of the day to a more restful state, without adding another hour to your evening. Here are six easy ways to get ready for bed in minutes.
Make a quick to-do list for tomorrow
If your brain tends to run through everything you need to remember the second your head hits the pillow, grab a piece of paper and get it out of your head.
Writing down tomorrow's tasks can help give your brain a place to "store" those thoughts rather than continuing to mentally rehearse them while you're trying to fall asleep. Keep it simple: Jot down the few things that genuinely need your attention tomorrow.
If a long list feels overwhelming, try separating your tasks into categories like "must do," "would like to do," and "can wait." The goal isn't to give your mind a very limited time to plan for tomorrow without ruminating.
Start a (short) nighttime routine
A bedtime routine doesn't have to mean an elaborate 12-step skincare routine, a bath, and 20 minutes of meditation.Keep it simple and easy to stick with.
Choose a few calming activities you can do in roughly the same order each night (like washing your face, brushing your teeth, changing into pajamas, reading a few pages, or doing some gentle stretching).
Over time, this sequence can become a cue that bedtime is approaching. And because you're not deciding what to do every night, there's less friction between "I'm done with the day" and actually getting into bed.
Take a sleep-supporting supplement
A sleep supplement isn't a substitute for good sleep habits, but the right formula can be a helpful addition to your nighttime routine.*
For example, mindbodygreen's sleep support+ combines magnesium, jujube, and PharmaGABA® to support relaxation and healthy sleep.* Taking it as directed as part of your wind-down routine can give you one less thing to think about when you're getting ready for bed.
Reviewers love how it helps clam their mind and body, allowing them to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.*
Put screens away at least an hour before bed
If your idea of winding down involves scrolling in bed, you're not alone. But your phone can make it surprisingly difficult to transition into sleep mode.
Try making the last hour before bed as screen-free as possible. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, charge it across the room, and switch to an actual alarm clock if you tend to reach for your phone first thing in the morning. Or lean on a device like the Brick (our editors swear by it!).
Find a relaxing playlist
Music can change your mood in seconds, so use that to your advantage at bedtime.
Choose something slow, soft, and familiar that helps you feel relaxed rather than energized. Instrumental music is a smart choice if lyrics tend to grab your attention or get stuck in your head.
You don't need a carefully crafted sleep playlist, either. Pick a few songs that reliably make you feel calmer and make them part of your nightly routine. The consistency itself can become a cue to start winding down.
Dim the lights and shift into "sleep mode"
As bedtime approaches, turn down the "big" lights in your home, swapping bright overhead lighting for softer lamps.
Light is one of the strongest environmental cues for your circadian rhythm, so creating a darker, calmer environment can help reinforce that nighttime is approaching. It's a small change, but it can make your entire evening feel more restful.
Think of this as the final signal to your brain: The day is done, there's nothing else you need to accomplish, and it's time to slow down.
The takeaway
A good bedtime routine doesn't have to take up your entire evening. Making a quick to-do list, following the same short routine each night, taking a sleep-supporting supplement, putting screens away, playing calming music, and dimming the lights can help you transition into bedtime seamless and calming.*
