Establish consistent pre-sleep rituals signaling your body to wind down—improving sleep onset, quality, and next-day functioning through circadian rhythm optimization. Effective routine elements: consistent timing (same bedtime nightly—even weekends), duration (30-60 minutes), and relaxing activities.
Include: dim lights (blue light suppresses melatonin), screen shutdown (1-2 hours before), temperature drop (cool room 60-67°F), reading, gentle stretching, warm bath/shower (temperature drop afterward triggers sleepiness), meditation, journaling. Avoid: caffeine (after 2pm), alcohol (disrupts sleep architecture), heavy meals, intense exercise, stressful activities, arguments.
Consistency trains body—routine becomes sleep trigger. Children especially benefit (behavioral cue). Sleep hygiene foundation. Adjustable to personal preferences. Addresses insomnia non-pharmaceutically. Investment in next-day energy and long-term health.