Wellness

Sleep Foundations That Actually Stick

Sleep improves when evenings become signals. Use this calm checklist to shape a wind-down you’ll actually keep.

Your calm-evening checklist

Choose one tiny step from each section. You don’t need all of it—just enough to invite sleep.

Light

Soften the glow

  • Dim lights 60–90 minutes before bed
  • Warm bulbs or lamps instead of overheads
  • Use night shift on screens after sunset
Noise

Quiet the edges

  • White noise or a simple fan
  • Earplugs ready on the nightstand
  • Mute app notifications after a set time
Temperature

Cool and cozy

  • Aim for a slightly cooler room
  • Breathable bedding; socks if feet run cold
  • Warm shower earlier; cooler rinse last 10s
Timing

Gentle wind-down window

  • Regular lights-out range (not exact minute)
  • Stop caffeine 8+ hours before bedtime
  • Screens fade 30 minutes before bed
Ritual

A 7-minute wind-down

A tiny flow that tells your body it’s safe to rest.

  1. Two slow stretches (neck + hamstrings)
  2. 30–60 seconds of relaxed breathing
  3. Write tomorrow’s top 1–3 on a sticky note
Mind

Quiet the loops

If thoughts race, put them somewhere gentle.

  • “Worry pad” by the bed—brain dump, close
  • Audiobook on timer, very low volume
  • Count breaths 1–10, repeat
Morning

Anchor the wake-up

Consistent wake time is more powerful than a perfect bedtime.

  • Open blinds soon after waking
  • A short walk or stretch to cue daylight
  • Hydrate before coffee

Troubleshooting & real-life notes

Perfection isn’t the goal. If you’re up late, keep the ritual short and keep the wake time steady. If you wake at night, try a brief walk to the kitchen for water and a return to bed with slow breaths. If sleep is an ongoing medical issue, consult a clinician.

  • Trade strict rules for repeatable cues
  • Keep the bedroom for sleep and intimacy
  • If you can’t sleep, reset in another room for 10–20 minutes
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Gentle guidance for better rest

Short checklists and tiny rituals—delivered with kindness, 1–2× a week.