It's time for the Share Our Lives link up and today's topic is "tips for falling asleep." Since we're in the depths of winter, I decided to focus my tips seasonally. I do different things to fall asleep in summer when it's hot. As a reminder, Share Our Lives is hosted by Sarah, Dara, Joanne, Adrienne, and Jen. (Click on each name to go their blogs.)
The name of the game for falling asleep for me, in winter, is all about warmth and coziness.
1) Flannel sheets
I cannot say enough about our flannel sheets. They warm up so much quicker than cotton sheets when you crawl into bed and just add extra coziness.
2) Warm socks
In warmer months, I rarely ever wear socks but in winter, I start wearing them to bed. The warmer my feet are, the easier it is to fall asleep.
3) Comfort bag
The third key warmth factor is heating up my comfort bag and putting it on my feet for extra warmth. You may know it as a "magic bag" or a "heat bag" but it's basically a bag full of barley (maybe, or beans, or I don't actually know...!) and I heat it up in the microwave then wrap it around my feet. Rachel likes to wrap hers around her stomach at night!
Doesn't this look like a warm cozy setup?
4) Pajamas
This seems like an obvious tip but I always change into warm pajamas -- usually flannel pj pants and a waffle long sleeve shirt. The kids always want to sleep in their clothes from the day (sweatpants and a sweatshirt) but I really think it's best to have clothes that you only ever sleep in. And for those of you who know that I've been living in my owl pajamas pants, I never actually sleep in them :)
5) Decaf tea
On cold winter nights, I really enjoy a cup of decaf tea which both warms me up and helps me relax.
6) Reading on my Kobo
I find reading on my Kobo (Canadian version of a Kindle) on a low light setting (around 3-4%) helps me fall asleep easier. I love to read before bed and if it's just the low glow of my Kobo, as opposed to my brighter bedside light, I fall asleep quicker. I'm always telling Rachel to turn down the brightness of her Kobo at night!
6) Fresh air during the day
My last tip for sleeping well is to get a lot of fresh air during the day. Maybe this is obvious, but I find when I don't get outside during daylight hours, I have a harder time falling asleep at night.
I am writing this on Sunday afternoon and I spent so much time shovelling this morning, I should sleep really well tonight!
So those are my tips for falling asleep (in winter)! I'm looking forward to reading the other posts in the link up and seeing if I missed anything or learn a new tip.
Love your tips-reading before bed helps me too!
ReplyDeleteI tend to keep my Kindle light on low too if reading at night before bed and I won't let myself read anything suspenseful where I know I'll want to keep turning the page! I wear socks to bed in winter only too. I can not fall asleep if my feet are cold.
ReplyDeleteI love reading before bed - all cozy in my bed. Real life I fall asleep on the couch lol
ReplyDeleteI used to use flannel sheets for sleeping but not anymore. I do wear my socks to bed for a little bit if my feet feel cold. I like to read a chapter before bed too. I enjoyed reading your helpful tips.
ReplyDeleteYup, the shoveling helps! Looks like more on Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteI got some flannel sheets at Christmas and they are amazing! I have since bought a second set as I love them so much. Your bed does look so cosy!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter just got flannel sheets, and she loves them! Thanks for joining our link up.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of a comfortable bag. I use an electric blanket to get nice and toasty then I turn it off.
ReplyDeleteI like tea but I can't drink before bed or I'd be up every hour to use the bathroom!
ReplyDeleteflannel sheets and keeping my feet warm are key items for me as well. We have a mattress warmer at the foot of the bed that my husband likes, but I find that the flannel sheets are warmth enough for me. I'd rather put on socks if my feet are cold! I'm almost a week late in visiting, and getting some useful tips. Hope you've been sleeping well!
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