Top Bedtime Routines and What They Say About Us
What is your go-to bedtime routine? For some of us, it’s a planned sequence of events involving skincare, herbal tea, and a good book. For others, it’s a slightly more chaotic tumble into bed, hoping for the best. Our nightly pre-sleep habits, or lack thereof, are as unique as we are, and we think that’s something to be celebrated.
A good bedtime routine is a wonderful thing. It’s a signal to our brains and bodies that it’s time to wind down, let go of the day, and prepare for a wonderful night’s rest. So, let’s pull back the covers on some of the most common bedtime routines and see what they say about us.
The Planner
You’ll know if you’re The Planner. Your bedside table is a picture of calm, your pyjamas are laid out, and you have a well-established best night routine that you follow almost religiously. This often involves a warm bath or shower, a multi-step skincare regimen, and maybe even a moment to journal or plan for the day ahead. The Planner understands that a great tomorrow starts tonight, and your routine is your secret weapon for a productive and happy life.
This type of bedtime routine is all about control and creating a sense of order. You’re likely organised, thoughtful, and you know that investing time in yourself pays off. You’ve probably already discovered the joy of a perfectly made bed, complete with plumped pillows and a beautifully soft duvet cover, because you know these details matter. Your dedication to a structured routine means you’re brilliant at setting yourself up for success, and you’re probably a fantastic sleeper because of it.
The Comfort Seeker
For The Comfort Seeker, a sleep routine is less about strict schedules and more about a feeling. Your pre-sleep mission is to create the most wonderfully inviting and comfortable environment possible. This might involve changing into your softest pyjamas, snuggling under a favourite throw on the sofa with a warm drink, and dimming the lights an hour before bed.
If you’re a Comfort Seeker, you’re likely a very nurturing and intuitive person, both to others and yourself. Your ideal bed is a welcoming cloud of beautiful bedding, probably with a few extra cushions for good measure. You’re not just going to sleep; you’re wrapping yourself in a well-deserved hug, and your sleep rituals are all about finding that feeling of deep, contented rest.
The Night Owl
The Night Owl is a master of pushing bedtime just that little bit later. Your bedtime routine might be a battle between your desire to sleep and your desire to finish that brilliant TV series, read one more chapter, or have one last scroll through your phone. You’re often a curious, creative, and passionate person, and your brain doesn’t always want to switch off on command.
While a consistent bedtime is often recommended, the best bedtime routine for a Night Owl might be one that acknowledges this active mind. Instead of fighting it, try leaning into it with a wind-down activity that’s still engaging but screen-free, like a puzzle or listening to a podcast.
Often, Night Owls are simply trying to carve out a little bit of precious ‘me-time’ after a busy day. Making sure your bed is as inviting as possible, perhaps with a super-soft mattress topper, can make the decision to finally switch off that much more appealing.
The Family Shepherd
This routine is for the parents, the pet owners, and the carers. Your evening isn’t really your own until everyone else is settled, and your personal sleep rituals often come last. Your routine involves storytime, refilling water glasses, checking for monsters under the bed, and making sure the dog has had its final trip outside.
If you’re a Family Shepherd, you are patient, selfless, and an absolute superhero. Your own routine might be as simple as washing your face and collapsing into bed. This is why it’s so important that your bed is your ultimate place to recharge. Investing in a beautiful bed linen set that you absolutely love can be a small but powerful act of self-care, a reward for looking after everyone else so brilliantly.
No matter which routine sounds most like you, the goal is always the same: a night of deep, restful, and happy sleep. Finding a few simple rituals that make you feel good is the first step to waking up feeling wonderful.